Dieselgate: Volkswagen to ready catalytic converter fix

A redesigned catalytic converter is one of Volkwagen AG’s (VW) proposals to rectify ‘Dieselgate’. VW chief executive officer Matthias Mueller said this on January 10, ahead of the NAIAS in Detroit.

As reported by Reuters, Mueller said “We have one (catalytic converter) in the works and we believe that will be a part of the technical solutions.” He expects the new catalytic converter will be able to be retro-fitted to 430,000 VW vehicles that contain the diesel testing cheat code, and bring the vehicles into compliance.

The report added that Mueller will be meeting US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy on January 13, when VW’s proposal will be forwarded. Mueller has expressed optimism the proposal will help resolve the issue, while McCarthy has previously expressed disappointment over the lack of “a satisfactory way forward,” despite months of negotiations.

2016-volkswagen-passat-us-model

Mueller said the package will fulfill the expectations of the EPA, including a proposal to buy back some of the affected cars. It was reported last week that VW may need to buy back 115,000 non-compliant diesel vehicles in the US. He expressed confidence a “good solution” will be found with the EPA.

On his first visit to the US since taking over the reins at VW in September, Mueller admitted the automaker made a “huge mistake” by trying to circumvent emissions tests, and any solution to the crisis should include efforts to be conscious of the needs and requirements of the US market.

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Mohan K Ramanujam

Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.

 

Comments

  • It’s a shame that the US is victimising Vw over the dieselgate scandal by trying to impose maximum fines per vehicle, which could cost Vw up to Us48 billion! At the end of the day no one has died. The co2 emissions are a drop in the ocean compared to that produced by industries there.

    Compare that to General Motors. In 2014 they have forfeited US900million in relation to an ignition fault on more then 11 million of their vehicles that has been linked to 158 deaths! They apparently knew about the defect for more than 10 years! It was only when documents relating to the ignition fault were exposed that they initiated a recall…. Which company is more morally bankrupt?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 2
    • I’m not sure though for what you have said. Else VW would not be admitting and to fixing the affected cars. Sadly the fix sure going to be costly as hardward hack is requires.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 10
      • darthvadarules on Jan 11, 2016 at 8:58 pm

        Tlc is right. When GM cars caused more than 150 deaths, all was forgiven after GM’s boss went up to Congress and apologised. The fine was a mere drop in the ocean. VW on the other hand admittedly cheated and agreed to pay for all the mistakes the previous administration made, but it was only because America intentionally raised diesel emission standards way beyond the reach of car makers to protect their car industry from being run over by the Europeans. And what is the end result? VW pays close to US$50 billion to the US Government for selling safe cars which had slightly higher emission levels than approved by the US Government (nobody died because of this), while GM pays less than US$1 billion for causing serious deaths to its own citizens!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 1
        • Land of freedom and democracy hypocritically have condom on their industries by forcing foreign brands to setup plants there if they want to sell in amerika. whether success or not lain cerita. Unfortunately majority bashers choose to ignore this and just continue complain about P1.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
          • Simple solution on Jan 11, 2016 at 11:04 pm

            Ask VW save that 50bil and quit Amerika la

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
          • Sam Lou on Jan 11, 2016 at 11:48 pm

            GM apology, VW pay the fine. What did Proton do? What car do most Malaysian drivers died on the road? JUNK Proton!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
          • @SS: They din kena fine just $50 Billion. It could potentially go up to $90 Billion! Depends on the mercy of amerikan judges and jury.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Really on Jan 12, 2016 at 1:55 am

    The US government won’t penalise large US companies as severely. Something about protecting jobs, those companies too big to fail bla bla bla. It is really just protectionism.
    Remember the unintended acceleration Toyota fiasco? Now compare that to the Ford Exploder and Firestone tyre fiasco. Toyota lost billions even though there were strong evidences that it’s more likely drivers’ error that caused those accidents. Ford and Firestone got away relatively light considering Ford intentionally lowered the tyre pressure of those Firestones to reduce probability of those Explorers turning turtle.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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