Head of VW America admits he knew of ‘defeat’ software in 2014

The head if Volkswagen Group of America Michael Horn has admitted that he knew of the illegal ‘defeat’ software being used to cheat emissions tests back in 2014.

Speaking before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations from the House of Representatives, Horn explained that he had been made aware of the problem back in 2014 when a West Virginia University study was published.

Horn also revealed that a number of new car models have been put on hold while the company deals with authorities in the wake of the scandal.

Horn said: "I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied. I was informed that EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 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. Later in 2014, I was informed that the technical teams had a specific plan for remedies to bring the vehicles into compliance and that they were engaged with the agencies about the process."

Horn then went on to say that discussions with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the EPA began on Thursday 3rd September, more than a fortnight before the scandal broke.

"Volkswagen AG disclosed at a meeting with the CARB and the EPA that emissions software in four cylinder diesel vehicles from model years 2009-2015 contained a 'defeat device' in the form of hidden software that could recognise whether a vehicle was being operated in a test laboratory or on the road. The software made those emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides when the vehicles were driven in actual road use than during laboratory testing.

"In Volkswagen's recent ongoing discussions with the regulators, we described to the EPA and CARB that our emissions control strategy also included a software feature that should be disclosed to and approved by them as an auxiliary emissions control device (AECD) in connection with the certification process. As a result, we have withdrawn the application for certification of our model year 2016 vehicles. We are working with the agencies to continue the certification process."

He also explained a number of steps that VW’s will take rectify the situation: “First, we are conducting investigations on a world-wide scale into how these matters happened. Responsible parties will be identified and held accountable. Second, it is important for the public to know that, as the EPA has said, these vehicles do not present a safety hazard and remain safe and legal to drive.

"Third, technical teams are working tirelessly to develop remedies for each of the affected groups of vehicles. These solutions will be tested and validated, and then shared with the responsible authorities for approval. There are three groups of vehicles involved, each containing one of the three generations of the 2.0L diesel engine. Each will require a different remedy, but these remedies can only be our first step for our customers. Fourth, we will examine our compliance, processes, and standards at Volkswagen and adopt measures to make certain that something like this cannot happen again.

"Fifth, we commit to regular and open communication with our customers, dealers, employees, and the public as we move forward. As first steps, we have set up a designated service line and website to be a channel for this communication, and I have sent a letter to every affected customer. I can offer today this outline of a path forward toward the goal of making things right. Nevertheless, Volkswagen knows that we will be judged not by words but by our actions over the coming weeks and months."

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