Car manufacturers deny rigging emission tests
In the wake of the VW scandal, Consumers International asked all major global car manufacturers to come clean on their emissions through our #CleanUpCars campaign.
Most companies have now issued statements to say that they do not use “defeat devices” or other technology to detect when their cars are being tested in order to reduce emissions. Some companies that use third party designed software are still undertaking their own investigations to ensure they abide by the rules.
More accurate testing still needed
Despite these assurances, CI remains concerned about the failure of the current testing regime to accurately assess emissions. Independent tests routinely show that many cars driven in real world driving conditions emit pollutants such as NOx, CO2 and particulates well above regulatory limits.
CI Members are actively lobbying for more accurate fuel efficiency and emissions tests. Both the EU and US authorities have indicated that they intend to improve the tests that they use in the future.
The following statements were received in response to CI’s letter or are available on the car companies’ websites.
“Toyota … does not engage in vehicle emissions testing manipulation”.
View statement sent to CI.
General Motors
“GM-developed control systems use no features that detect whether a vehicle is undergoing an emission test […] GM also sells vehicles containing third-party-designed software and rebranded vehicles manufactured by other OEMs containing software installed by those OEMs. We are in the process of confirming with these suppliers that there are no such emission test detection features in the products they provide us”
View statement sent to CI.
Hyundai (includes Kia)
“We confirm that none of our vehicles are fitted with any type of software intended to manipulate regulatory emissions tests results […] Hyundai Motor abides by the testing regulations and methods of each region where it sells cars”
CI did not receive a response from Hyundai. View the statement that was sent to our UK Member Which?
Ford
“Our vehicles and engines – including our advanced-technology diesel engines – meet all applicable emissions requirements. Importantly, we do not have any so-called “defeat devices” in our vehicles.”
View statement on Ford website.
Daimler (Mercedes Benz)
“At Mercedes Benz we do not use any ‘defeat devices’ or functions that unlawfully restrict the effectiveness of the exhaust gas after treatment systems”
View statement sent to CI.
Fiat-Chrysler
“FAC Italy fully complies with all applicable testing and […] requirements relating to the homologation of its diesel vehicles, which are not equipped with ‘defeat devices’”
Online statement by Fiat-Chrysler UK. It is not clear if this covers their international operations or just cars sold in the UK.
Honda
“Honda does not use any illegal software or defeat device"
View statement sent to CI.
BMW
“We observe the legal requirements in each country and fulfill all local testing requirements. Our exhaust treatment systems are active whether rolling on the test bench or driving on the road”
View statement sent to CI.
Daimler (Mercedes Benz)
“At Mercedes Benz we do not use any ‘defeat devices’ or functions that unlawfully restrict the effectiveness of the exhaust gas after treatment systems”
View statement sent to CI.
SAIC Motor
No statement available
Nissan
“Nissan does not employ ‘defeat devices’ in our products and complies with homologation procedures in all countries where it operates.”
CI did not receive a response from Nissan. View the statement that was sent to our UK Member Which?