VW admits emissions errors dating back decade

The emissions scandal at Volkswagen was down to a “chain of errors”, the company said as it traced the issue back to 2005.

The car maker said the starting point was a strategic decision to launch a large-scale promotion of diesel vehicles in the US 10 years ago.

Volkswagen said its engineers manipulated emissions software because it proved impossible to meet the US’s tougher standards for nitrogen dioxide within the required timeframe and budget.

This led to the incorporation of software that adjusted nitrogen oxide emission levels according to whether vehicles were on the road or being tested.

Later, when an effective technical process was available to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions, it was not employed to the full extent possible.

Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch suggested the mistakes were the result of a corporate culture in which failure was not an option, not just a consequence of being unable to meet US emissions tests.

“We can have the best people, and a great organisation, but we can do nothing without the right attitude and mentality,” he said.

“During the upcoming process of change toward a new way of thinking, Volkswagen can build on its traditional strengths: quality consciousness, strong identification with its vehicles, and a high degree of social responsibility.”

He said the future would be about more open discussions, closer cooperation, and a willingness to allow mistakes if they are understood as an opportunity to learn.

“I am calling for people who are curious, independent, and pioneering. People who follow their instincts and are not merely guided by the possible consequences of impending failure,” said Pötsch.

The company insisted that only a small group of employees was responsible for cheating the emissions tests, adding that there were no signs any board members were involved in the scandal.

VW said that in future, emissions tests will be evaluated externally and independently.

In addition, randomly selected real-life tests to assess emissions behaviour on the road will be introduced.

“We hope that this will help Volkswagen regain lost trust,” said Pötsch.

At 1520 GMT, VW shares were up 0.7% to €132.70.