Less than a week after regulators called out Volkswagen for using “defeat device” software to cheat on emissions tests for 11 million vehicles worldwide, the integrity of some other German automakers is being called into question.
Both BMW and Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz, have issued denials that they were involved in any sort of illicit tinkering with their cars’ emissions control systems.
German magazine Autobild, citing research from the International Council on Clean Transportation, alleged that BMW had rigged the exhaust on its diesel-powered X3 xDrive to pass emissions tests even though the cars releases significantly more than the allowable emissions standard
BMW denied this report, saying it was unaware of the tests cited by the magazine, and that no specific information about the tests have been revealed.
The company noted that previous tests by ICCT found 14 of its vehicles met pollution standards.
“The BMW Group does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests,” BMW said in a statement. “We observe the legal requirements in each country and fulfill all local testing requirements. In other words, our exhaust treatment systems are active whether rolling on the test bench or driving on the road.”
The company went on to stay that it uses “clear, binding specifications” to avoid wrongdoing.
“We are willing to discuss our testing procedures with the relevant authorities and to make our vehicles available for testing at any time,” BMW said in a statement.
Reuters reported on Thursday that fellow German carmaker Diamler also denied that it manipulated emissions data for diesel engines.
A spokesman for Daimler said it did not use the defeat devices employed by Volkswagen and complied with rules on nitrogen oxide emissions around the world.
Daimler says does not use defeat devices [Reuters]
[via The Washington Post]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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