London - Volkswagen has admitted fitting its latest cars with a new device allowing it to cheat emissions tests.
The carmaker, which is already embroiled in a scandal over its previous models, told US regulators there was additional suspect software in its 2016 diesel cars that had not previously been disclosed.
But Volkswagen said the new ‘auxiliary emissions control device’ operated differently from the ‘cheat’ software fitted in models from 2008 to 2015 - over which it could be forced to pay billions in damages.
The latest revelation will embarrass the German firm’s UK managing director Paul Willis, who faces further questions about the scandal at the House of Commons on Thursday
The newly revealed software improves the performance of a device that separates smog-causing nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and oxygen gases.
Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan said the issue with the 2016 vehicles was first raised last week with the US Environmental Protection Agency.
American officials are investigating whether the new software is also a ‘defeat device’ designed to cheat emissions tests.
At least 30 Volkswagen managers are now said to be involved in the scandal, which threatens to destroy the company, according to German magazine Der Spiegel.
Daily Mail