A French newspaper reports that PSA Group has been caught using suspect software in two million cars sold from Peugeot and Citroen.
PSA is denying the report, releasing a statement saying that they’ve not been contacted by judicial authorities.
Le Monde reported that investigators from the country’s DGCCRF watchdog obtained an internal PSA document discussing the need to “make the ‘defeat device’ aspect less obvious and visible.”
In its statement, PSA said: “Groupe PSA has repeatedly explained its strategy regarding engine settings. This strategy is based on its customers’ use in real life. It favors low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in cities while ensuring the best NOx/ CO2 balance on open roads.”
Back in February, PSA became the fourth carmaker to fall under investigation by the DGCCRF over suspected emissions-cheating, following VW, Renault and Fiat-Chrysler.
PSA’s engineering boss admitted at the time that the emissions treatment in their diesel models was deliberately reduced at higher temperatures to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions in out-of-city driving, where NOx is considered less critical, Reuters reports.
However, PSA claims that there is nothing illegal about their engine calibrations. “PSA denies any fraud and firmly reaffirms the pertinence of its technology decisions,” the company said.
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