Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Volkswagen’s diesel cheating was an ‘open secret’ among engineers, report says

Stephen Edelstein
By

2014 vw passat tdi front angle
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen claims a small group of engineers were responsible for the “defeat device” software used to help diesel cars cheat on U.S. emissions tests, and that their activities weren’t widely known inside the company. But the company’s own internal investigation may say differently.

The use of “defeat device” software was an “open secret” within VW’s diesel-engine development group, according to a report from German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, translated by Reuters. This conclusion allegedly comes from Volkswagen’s own internal investigation, the results of which still haven’t been released to the public. VW previously summarized the findings as indicating that few employees knew about the cheating.

Recommended Videos

A “culture of collective secrecy” prevailed within the diesel group, where virtually everyone working within the group knew about the illegal activities, according to the report. Use of a “defeat device” was apparently discussed as far back as 2006, right as stricter U.S. emissions standards were about to be implemented. Volkswagen wanted to push diesels in the U.S. because of their fuel economy, but engineers reportedly had a hard time finding a cost-effective way to meet the regulations.

Related

VW’s corporate culture prevented engineers from telling management that it would be impossible to meet their goals, the report said. To say that something could not be done “was not acceptable,” the report said, allegedly quoting testimony included in the internal investigation from a Volkswagen employee who participated in the fraud. There was at least one exception, when an employee reported the cheating to a senior manager in another division in 2011, but that manager did not take action.

Employees testified under an amnesty program administered by VW shortly after its cheating was revealed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in late September. Employees had until November 30 to come forward and testify without the risk of penalties, and it is understood that around 50 people did so. Volkswagen plans to release the results of the investigation at its annual shareholders’ meeting in April.

While the public may learn more about how cheating on such a massive scale happened soon, there’s still no set timeline for when VW will begin a U.S. recall of its delinquent diesels. A proposed fix for the 482,000 cars with 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines was recently rejected by the California Air Resources Board, although VW properties Audi and Porsche claim to have a plan ready for the 85,000 3.0-liter V6 cars.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Tuners may have a big problem with Chevy’s mid-engine Corvette, report says
2020 mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette

The upcoming mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 promises a new level of performance, but the aftermarket might hate it.

The next-generation Corvette will be the first to place its engine behind the driver, and that engine will be controlled by a "unique encrypted ECU system," according to Muscle Cars & Trucks (via Motor Authority). The encryption will prevent changes to the ECU software in pursuit of more horsepower, according to the report.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?
Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Read more
The 6 best remote car starters in 2024
Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Read more