Volkswagen in America CEO Had More Than One Year To Deal With Cheating Diesels

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole

In a prepared statement released ahead of congressional testimony Thursday, Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn said the automaker knew of emissions issues last spring when West Virginia University researchers published findings that the automaker’s cars were illegally polluting. (Emphasis mine.)

In the spring of 2014 when the West Virginia University study was published, I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied. I was informed that EPA regulations included various penalties for non-compliance with the emissions standards and that the agencies can conduct engineering tests which could include “defeat device” testing or analysis. I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue.

(Should have followed up a little more on that email, probably.)

Horn’s testimony indicates that Volkswagen’s voluntary recall in 2014 was done in conjunction with appropriate “agencies” after they notified the automaker in September of that year of its non-compliance of its 2-liter diesel engines.

Horn will also tell authorities that it has withdrawn application for certification its 2016 model year cars with 2.0-liter diesel engines equipped with “defeat device” ECUs.

These events are deeply troubling. I did not think that something like this was possible at the Volkswagen Group. We have broken the trust of our customers, dealerships, and employees, as well as the public and regulators.

Horn goes on later to say that the automaker will take full responsibility for the scandal that impacts up to 11 million cars — 482,000 in the U.S. — despite mentioning 30 seconds earlier that he heard there was a problem and thought everything was taken care of.


Aaron Cole
Aaron Cole

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  • Jthorner Jthorner on Oct 09, 2015

    Considering that everyone involved in the crime and the cover up is facing potential financial consequences and/or jail time, what else can we expect him to say? Right now the words of VW executives have little real meaning. They are all spinning like drunken dreidels.

  • BrunoT BrunoT on Oct 11, 2015

    "last spring" was in 2015, not 2014. You guys ever consider hiring an editor?

  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
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