German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung is claiming that some Volkswagen Group executives knew about emissions cheating devices as far back as 2006.
Citing VW’s recently concluded internal investigation into the scandal that rocked the industry, it is reported that within the conglomerate’s engine development department, a number of managers and staff either helped develop devices to cheat emissions testing or knew of the existence of such devices.
These claims come from a company whistle blower who reportedly alerted a senior VW Group manager about the illegal practices within the engine department sometime in 2011. That unnamed manager purportedly didn’t react to the revelations.
Automotive News says that in its attempts to quickly meet strict U.S. emissions guidelines for little money, the company developed its solution to reduce emissions when the vehicle detected that it was being tested by the EPA.
The company itself claims that no senior members or top management were aware of the defeat devices saying it was restricted to a small group of people.
U.S. government investigations into the scandal are ongoing and if the maximum penalties are applied, Volkswagen AG could be fined over $90 billion.
PHOTO GALLERY
