VW Scandal: US boss admits he was told about cheating in 2014

The boss of Volkswagen US has admitted he was told in early 2014 about a “possible emissions non-compliance” at the company. Michael Horn, the CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, has also apologised for the German carmaker’s actions, describing them as “deeply troubling”. The apology and details about what Mr Horn knew of the emissions cheating are revealed in testimony he will present later today to a House Committee investigating the scandal.

We have broken the trust of our customers, dealerships, and employees, as well as the public and regulators.

Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen America.

Mr Horn said he was made aware of the “possible emissions non-compliance” following the publication of a West Virginia University study in spring 2014. He said: “I was informed that EPA regulations included various penalties for non-compliance with the emissions standards and that the agencies can conduct engineering tests which could include ‘defeat device’ testing or analysis. "I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue. VW says 11 million cars are affected worldwide, including five million from its own brand, 2.1 million Audis and 1.2 million Skoda vehicles.

Volkswagen Business