DfT investigating carmakers over potential emissions defeat devices

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed it is investigating the possible use of devices on vehicles to trick official tests into recording lower emissions levels.

It follows the ‘dieselgate’ scandal which rocked the automotive world in 2015, after US regulators ordered Volkswagen to recall 500,000 diesel cars for being fitted with so-called defeat devices – software that disguises pollution levels during testing.

More countries launched investigations into the German carmaker and Fleet News would later report that nearly 1.2 million VW, Audi, Škoda and Seat models in the UK were affected by the emissions scandal – nearly 10% of those affected worldwide.

Reports now suggest that a new probe being conducted by the DfT has identified a total of 47 different models from 11 manufacturers that are suspected of being more polluting than previously thought.

It is understood some 20 motoring brands have been impacted.

A DfT spokesperson told Fleet News: “We routinely and robustly check vehicles against emission standards and have acted quickly to set up an investigation on this matter. 

“We will work with industry to resolve any issues identified.”

In 2018, the Government strengthened restrictions against the use of illegal emissions technology by passing legislation making it an offence for manufacturers to place motor vehicles on the market which contain prohibited defeat systems.

The DfT spokesperson added: “Defeat devices are illegal, misleading for drivers and can have negative health impacts on the public.”

The DfT would not disclose the number of models or brands affected or the manufacturers involved, saying it would “not be inappropriate to comment further on a live investigation”.

The DVSA’s market surveillance unit conducts an annual programme to test and inspect vehicles placed on the market, as well as investigating potential noncompliance to ensure products meet environmental and safety standards.

The DfT says that the DVSA will act in line with their published enforcement policy and work with manufacturers to address any non-compliance where identified; they will consider what further enforcement action is available if required.

Last year, the DfT was ordered to disclose details about how ‘defeat devices’ operate in certain vehicles.

It followed a legal complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) after the DfT refused to share the information in full in 2022. 

The Volkswagen Group reached an out of court settlement with claimants in a class action lawsuit following the dieselgate emissions scandal in May 2022.  

A payout of £193 million was agreed, which averages £2,120 for each of the 91,000 owners that joined the claim.

No admissions in respect of liability, causation or loss have been made by any of the defendants, however, an apology statement on the part of the VW Group has been issued.