Watchdog Group Says Cheating Is Rampant Among Automakers - VW Was Just The First Caught

Volkswagen admitted to cheating on emissions tests with 11 million TDI engines worldwide, but are they alone in this? That’s what regulators and NGOs around the globe are trying to figure out at the moment, and at least one European group fears BMW, Mercedes and General Motors are doing the same kind of thing.

Discrepancies between real-world diesel emissions and what they record during testing in Europe have been an issue for some time, but the issue hasn’t really caught traction until VW’s gross flouting of regulations came to light.

According to Automotive News, the European Federation for Transport and Environment issued a report this month, before Dieselgate blew up, raising “doubts about the integrity of Europe’s emissions testing.”

The federation doesn’t believe real-world fuel economy and emissions improvements have actually kept up with automakers’ claims, and they say the difference between lab tests and reality is wider than ever.

W124E320 - 9/23/2015 3:46:13 PM

0 Boost

perhaps the regulations are too insane to meet?

Car4life1 - 9/23/2015 6:27:49 PM

-2 Boost

No, try corporate greed, the technology and capability is there for these automakers to meet requirements, however they'd rather not invest in the time, energy, and resources, because Diesels aren't providing the same ROI for automakers as they used too.

W124E320 - 9/24/2015 10:10:06 AM

0 Boost

If the technology exists, why not use it? Why cheat, why not just comply? FU

FormerBenz - 9/24/2015 10:51:39 AM

+2 Boost

If the tech exists to meet all these regulations, why are they estimating it affects many more mfr's than just VW.... ? Pompous, liberals who dream of regulating a Utopia pass regulations that industry is not fully able to comply it would seem... If its there, why cheat indeed?

Car4life1 - 9/25/2015 5:37:28 AM

+1 Boost

LOL, the same reason why some manufacturers pass on other technologies or innovations, COST, and again Diesels in America fly under the radar because they sell so few in oassenger cars in comparison to Petrol and a Hybrid significantly REDUCING DIESEL's ROI.

Don't be naive guys, it's the same reason why some automakers fail Crash Test and others don't, some feel they can take short cuts and save money

trmckin - 9/23/2015 9:27:30 PM

+5 Boost

Pack your bags and go. I don't think anyone here is stopping you. Give it a go.

nguyenvuminh - 9/23/2015 5:32:30 PM

+5 Boost

Oh brother, can you give it a rest. I spent 10 years in Asia and I know Honda and Toyota lied about their assembled cars there. These mfrs, regardless of nationality, will take advantage of any loophole or lax in regulation if given an opportunity.

trmckin - 9/23/2015 9:25:20 PM

+3 Boost

Shhh! He's on a roll! He's almost convinced himself that he has a valid point. A few more cartoons and a juice box and he will be on his way to his learners permit. Love how Japanese products get a pass and suppliers get blamed. Has nothing to with the company. Where was that Japanese honor when they were denying the airbag and acceleration issues? He probably wasn't old enough to remember the Takata seatbelt issues in the 90s. With that and the airbags, those are among 2 of the biggest recalls in history. No big deal! Japan is king! LOL!

trmckin - 9/24/2015 2:22:58 AM

+2 Boost

Sorry. Not biting. You are a troll. Go play on political forums somewhere.

BMWm4 - 9/24/2015 1:20:57 PM

+3 Boost

anime , Did you just say M4 and Civic in the same statement? Lol ...

Where were you when Toyota/Lexus recalled the 10.7 Million cars for bad floor mats, improper steering systems, faulty traction control system and faulty override for the unintended acceleration problem?? 10.7 million cars recalled from 2007 to 2009. Thus hurt Lexus perception and they dropped well down on the #1 scale for luxury brands in the US. It has taken them almost 6 years to recoup...

MDarringer - 9/23/2015 7:25:51 PM

-1 Boost

Watchdog groups are narcissists who want to get adulation for whistle blowing so as to get a pat on the head. Watchdog groups could not care less about the issue.

ricks0me - 9/23/2015 9:02:48 PM

+3 Boost

AnimeJapan: Tell us about Mitsubishi ....

goudok - 9/25/2015 3:11:37 PM

+1 Boost

who gives a fuq about shitty rice rockets..
Japanese cars are garbage piece of ish rice fillers