Volkswagen Withdraws EPA Application for 2016 Diesel Models

Volkswagen has withdrawn its application for EPA certification on its 2016 model year diesel vehicles.

Without EPA certification those 2016 Volkswagen diesel vehicles cannot be sold in the U.S., meaning it could be quite some time before they’re able to leave dealership lots. The German automaker has been awaiting EPA approval for those models, but has withdrawn its request as part of its ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators as a result of the massive diesel emissions scandal.

The decision was disclosed today by Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn in a written testimony that he will deliver tomorrow at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee. Part of his testimony will state that Volkswagen’s emissions control strategy included a “software feature” that should be “disclosed to and approved by” regulators as an “auxiliary emissions control device,” which are legal in the U.S. A Volkswagen of America spokeswoman confirmed to Automotive News that the software is different than the defeat device.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Emissions Recall to Begin in January

Horn also elaborated that each of the three generations of the affected 2.0-liter diesel engines will require a different fix. The German automaker’s technical teams are “working tirelessly,” according to Horn, to develop a pair for the affected models. Some of the cars will need software updates while others will need to be fully outfitted with a Urea injection system.

[Source: Automotive News]

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