The Government has called for an EU-wide investigation into the actual emission levels of cars, following warnings that other manufacturers may be implicated in the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
News broke this week that millions of diesel cars may be recalled after Volkswagen admitted that it cheated on emission tests.
‘Defeat devices’ were fitted onto around 11 million vehicles worldwide such as the VW Golf to give false readings so that they meet emission targets.
The software can sense when a car is being tested. It picks up on signs like anti-collision being switched off, which is standard under laboratory conditions. It then releases urea into the exhaust system to minimise nitrogen oxide emissions.
Investigation demanded
The Transport & Environment Group has claimed that other car makers use similar devices to falsely lower their emissions results, meaning other motorists could see their cars recalled. A report in The Independent claims that the engines at the centre of the emissions scandal have been fitted to several Skoda and Seat models in the UK.
However, BMW, Toyota and Renault have come forward to categorically deny they have tampered with the results of any emissions tests.
Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, has called for an EU-wide investigation "as a matter of urgency", saying it was vital that the public had confidence in vehicle emissions tests.
More emissions bad news
The scandal follows the news last week that diesel drivers may soon have to pay extra in order to drive in major UK cities, in a bid to clear up air quality.
Read more in Millions of motorists ‘to pay thousands’ to drive into cities.
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