US: Volkswagen cleared by EPA to sell 2015 diesel cars

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given Volkswagen the go ahead to sell its 2015 diesel models after updating the software that would enable them to meet the set emission norms. The company will be able to sell about 67,000 cars, out of which, about 12,000 units are lying with dealers alone.

In September 2015, the EPA discovered that Volkswagen cars with 2.0-litre diesel engines were emitting nitrogen oxide fumes that were 10 to 40 times over the permissible limit. Volkswagen admitted that it had used a software in its cars' electronic control module (ECM) to help them clear emission tests. The company revealed that the effect of this modification would have an impact on 11 million cars worldwide.

Volkswagen had to recall about 4,82,000 of its cars in the US and was stopped selling its diesel models in the country. This led to a huge inventory pile up. The company had to set aside US$ 24 billion to pay the fines and perform the necessary repairs on the affected cars.

The order comes as a relief to Volkswagen, which can now revive its relationship with environment regulators. Additionally, a certain model, which accounted for approximately 20% of the company's sales in the US, will once again be made available for purchase.

Source: AutoNews