11 Million Diesel Vehicles Worldwide encountered Rigged Emissions Software, Says VW

MANILA: Volkswagen revealed that over 11 million VW diesel vehicles have encountered severe software irregularities worldwide. It has been claimed as the biggest scandal of the time and seems to be increasing in the U.S. Some examinations also revealed that the emission-control software built into U.S. models were found violating the U.S. clean air rules.

The automaker has planned to set aside 6.5 billion Euros ($7.3 billion) in Q3 to address 'irregularities'. The amount of provisions is flexible and is liable to change as the investigation continues. As per the company, the provisions it was setting aside were to cover service measures resulting from the emissions’ scandal as well as "other efforts to win back the trust of our customers" but did not say whether part of the money could go towards potential penalties that have to be paid.

Company said that about 11 million VW models worldwide in diesel with so-called Type EA 189 engines have shown a "noticeable deviation" in emission levels during testing and on road inspections. Soon after admitting to cheating diesel car emissions tests, VW is facing penalties of up to $18 billion in the U.S.

Other countries like Germany, France, South Korea and Italy will also look into the matter and find some relevance as per the VW issue in the United States. Italy's Environment Ministry asked VW for assurance of its emission rules that applies on cars sold in Italy.

French Finance Minister, Michel Sapin called for a Europe-wide probe into Volkswagen, including French ones, in the wake of the revelations. Talking via Europe 1 radio, Sapin says, "It seems necessary, We have to do it at a European level because the market is European with European rules." The U.S. Justice Department is likely to begin the further deep inquiry into the matter.

After the issue was revealed, VW shares declined by 19 percent on Monday. This year, the stock has dropped by 41 percent.