Volkswagen Halts Sales of Some New, Used Cars in U.S.
Sales halt began Friday in light of U.S. investigation into allegations of emissions data manipulation
BERLIN— Volkswagen AG has suspended sales in the U.S. of all vehicles containing its popular four-cyclinder TDI engine in light of a U.S. investigation into allegations that the German car maker manipulated emissions data to get around U.S. antipollution rules, a company spokesman said Sunday.
A spokesman said the sales stop affects Volkswagen’s 2016 and 2015 vehicles at U.S. dealerships, but couldn't say how many cars are affected. The 2.0 liter TDI—turbo direct injection—is Volkswagen’s “clean diesel” engine and is commonly used in models such as VW’s Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle and the A3 luxury compact made by VW’s Audi AG.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week alleged Volkswagen used software to circumvent environmental standards in emissions tests. Officials said the software made some 482,000 diesel cars seem to run cleaner when tested than they actually did. U.S. laws require vehicle manufacturers to disclose design information to receive certification that their products meet standards on air pollution.
Volkswagen also said Sunday that it has launched an external investigation into the issue and that the company would cooperate fully with U.S. authorities.
“I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public,” CEO Martin Winterkorn said in a statement.