Porsche caught up in VW emissions scandal

Porsche has been embroiled in the Volkswagen emissions scandal after US authorities said that the car manufacturer has also rigged emission tests for the luxury vehicle brand.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new notice of violation (NOV) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) which alleges that VW has installed what it calls “a defeat device” in certain VW, Audi and Porsche light duty diesel 3.0 litre engines. It says that the models affected actually create emissions of nitrogen oxide, up to nine times EPA’s standard.

The vehicles covered by the NOV are the diesel versions of the 2014 VW Touareg, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5.

“VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for the Office for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

“All companies should be playing by the same rules. EPA, with our state, and federal partners, will continue to investigate these serious matters, to secure the benefits of the Clean Air Act, ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses, and to ensure consumers get the environmental performance they expect,” she added.

VW has denied that it has fitted devices on the vehicles and said that it would fully cooperated with the EPA to clarify the matter.

Several firms have expressed an interest in pursuing claims against the car manufacturer here in the UK.

Mark Dugdale