Bosch has admitted supplying engine management software to Volkswagen which is at the heart of the diesel emissions probe into eleven million models around the world.
But the German components maker said it told Volkswagen in 2007 that it would be illegal to use engine management software at the heart of the diesels emissions scandal in production cars and was intended for research and development purposes only.
Yesterday, German prosecutors said a formal criminal investigation was being opened into the activities of ex-VW boss Martin Winterkorn, who was forced to resign last week just days after the emissions row erupted. Other executives in the group have been suspended.
Audi has also said yesterday that 2.1 Million of its models were fitted with the same software. Statements from SEAT, Skoda and other VW Group brands are likely but Mercedes-Benz Daimler parent has denied ever using or intending to use such software, and this is likely to ramp up pressure on other car makers to “come clean” about their software to overcome any doubts they may be hiding something.
Brussels-based environmental group Transport & Environment said Europe’s carmakers routinely abused tests on fuel performance and CO2 emissions.
The lobby group found an average 40% gap between the fuel and C02 emitted in lab tests against road driving and added that the industry’s problems extend well beyond diesel cars and a single car manufacturer.
In the UK, the SMMT has backed a planned Government move to re-examine emission testing.
