Volkswagen Supposedly Cheated On Its Emissions Tests

It seems like there is trouble brewing in the land of diesel. The largest seller of this type of vehicle in North America, Volkswagen, was accused of cheating on the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) emissions tests.

According to reports, 2009 to 2015 Audi A3s, Volkswagen Beetles, Golfs and Jettas and 2014 to 2015 Passats all hide a dirty little secret when equipped with the 2-litre TDI engine. During the EPA's tests, the computer detects what is happening and limits toxic emissions (presumably by limiting engine power) to make sure the car passes with flying colours. When the test is over, the software shuts down and full power is restored. In normal driving conditions, the cars can emit 40 times the amount of nitrogen oxide reported in the test.

• Also: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Thanks Be To Diesel
• Also: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI: Not Winter-Ready?

For now, the manufacturer has asked its dealerships to stop selling TDI-equipped vehicles until they solve this issue.

According to the EPA's current laws, they can fine a manufacturer $37,500 USD for each offending vehicle. In VW's case, more than 482,000 units are currently under investigation, which would equate to a fine of $18 billion USD...

Update: Volkswagen has issued a stop-sale order in Canada to match its American stop-sale on most TDI models. 22 percent of Volkswagen sales in Canada feature turbodiesel drivetrains.