In a strange turn of events, it appears that the ‘Dieselgate‘ fracas that plagued VW may have just turned toward fellow German automaker BMW…
In a report submitted by the DUH, or German Environmental Aid, it was found that while a BMW 320d (diesel) performed as expected on static test conditions i.e. a ‘rolling-road’ (similar to a dyno) the results were significantly different in the real-world, where the NOx emissions were in some cases up to seven times higher than what was claimed by BMW.
Apparently, in real-world driving conditions (above) and not on a diagnostic-treadmill (below), the DUH accused BMW of having a ‘defeat-device’ that activates above a certain speed and when sensors gauge the amount of torque or ‘load’ being put on the engine, that only a real drive on a real road can accomplish, rather than a simulated road.
Jurgen Resch, DUH Federal Director was quoted “The available measurement results are very clear indications that inadmissible defeat devices are present in the engine control software. These must be completely removed. The vehicle must have fully functional exhaust gas cleaning in all normal operating situations. Today we will hand over our investigation results to the responsible authorities and demand a review and, if necessary, withdrawal of the type approval and an official recall for all vehicles that have an illegal defeat device.” (Source: DUH.de)
BMW however, were quick to deny all allegations pertaining to this. Harald Krüger, (above) CEO of the BMW Group, said: “We did not manipulate the vehicles, we have clean diesel, and they are the best in the world – there is no defeat device at the BMW Group.” This full-bodied promise is in clear contradiction to the results of the exhaust and software investigations of the BMW 320d. Compared to WISO, BMW claimed: “The emission control systems required for the treatment of exhaust gases fully cover the typical customer driving style.” (Source: ANE)
We’ll keep you posted as investigations on the above continue, however, back to the earlier mentioned Dieselgate scandal involving VW, a second executive after James Liang has just been sentenced. Oliver Schmidt, (above) a former high-ranking official at Volkswagen has been sentenced to 7-years jail and a fine of $400,000 by a US District court for his part in the scandal. Ironically, Schmidt, 48, was on holiday in Florida when he was detained for his part in dieselgate. You can read more about his arrest, incarceration and recent sentencing here.
Image & Source: Automotive News Europe & DUH.de.
Rolling-road Image from Drive.com.au
