Photo: Opel
Opel is under fire in Europe again, and the topic is diesel engines and their emissions. This time, the German brand is accused of using an intricate engine control software on diesel power plants, which switches off exhaust treatment systems in particular conditions. The German Transport Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, accuses the company of exploiting a loophole in the law.
European legislation allows carmakers to turn off emission control systems in certain circumstances to prevent engine damage or failure.
The measure permits automakers to implement safeguards for their engines, and it is reported to be regular practice at an industry-wide level to disconnect emission control systems when specific parameters are met, but just to protect the engine itself.
In the case of Opel, the German Transport Minister had a committee check the Russelsheim-based automaker’s systems, and it turns out they “[have] doubts about whether this practice is entirely justified by the protection of the engine,” Automotive News reports.
In the meantime, Opel officials firmly state that their engines do not have “defeat devices,” or any systems used to deceive emission testing procedures. The automaker has signed up for full cooperation and disclosure with the authorities to clarify the matter, and has 14 days to provide appropriate technical information.
The accusations target the Zafira, as the committee discovered that its diesel engine would shut off emission control systems when operating at high speeds, of over 145 km/h (90 mph). The automaker explained that this practice exists for the protection of the power plant, and that it’s fully legal to do so if it would otherwise damage the engine.
For the time being, Opel and government investigators disagree on the way the automaker interpreted the relevant law. The German authorities have stated that the investigation will continue, and other carmakers will be asked if they used similar devices.
Opel’s situation came to public attention after a German environmentalist group called “Deutsche Umwelthilfe,” along with Spiegel magazine and ARD television’s Monitor program, did a joint investigation on the emissions matter. The automaker has already disputed the claims and the results of these inquiries, but is now collaborating with the government to provide clarification.
When Spiegel made those accusations, Opel explained that the allegations that they were using “illegal defeat devices” were wrong. The automaker also stated that it considers the findings presented as being “misleading oversimplifications and misinterpretations,” as modern emissions control systems of a diesel engine are much more complicated than a simple set of parameters.
Italy’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is also under the magnifying glass, as the same environmentalist group claims the Fiat 500X’s 2.0-liter diesel engine has NOx (nitrogen oxide emissions) above the legal limit.
The measure permits automakers to implement safeguards for their engines, and it is reported to be regular practice at an industry-wide level to disconnect emission control systems when specific parameters are met, but just to protect the engine itself.
In the case of Opel, the German Transport Minister had a committee check the Russelsheim-based automaker’s systems, and it turns out they “[have] doubts about whether this practice is entirely justified by the protection of the engine,” Automotive News reports.
In the meantime, Opel officials firmly state that their engines do not have “defeat devices,” or any systems used to deceive emission testing procedures. The automaker has signed up for full cooperation and disclosure with the authorities to clarify the matter, and has 14 days to provide appropriate technical information.
The accusations target the Zafira, as the committee discovered that its diesel engine would shut off emission control systems when operating at high speeds, of over 145 km/h (90 mph). The automaker explained that this practice exists for the protection of the power plant, and that it’s fully legal to do so if it would otherwise damage the engine.
For the time being, Opel and government investigators disagree on the way the automaker interpreted the relevant law. The German authorities have stated that the investigation will continue, and other carmakers will be asked if they used similar devices.
Opel’s situation came to public attention after a German environmentalist group called “Deutsche Umwelthilfe,” along with Spiegel magazine and ARD television’s Monitor program, did a joint investigation on the emissions matter. The automaker has already disputed the claims and the results of these inquiries, but is now collaborating with the government to provide clarification.
When Spiegel made those accusations, Opel explained that the allegations that they were using “illegal defeat devices” were wrong. The automaker also stated that it considers the findings presented as being “misleading oversimplifications and misinterpretations,” as modern emissions control systems of a diesel engine are much more complicated than a simple set of parameters.
Italy’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is also under the magnifying glass, as the same environmentalist group claims the Fiat 500X’s 2.0-liter diesel engine has NOx (nitrogen oxide emissions) above the legal limit.
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