Investigations into possible uses of defeat devices in diesel engines continue in Germany. This time, the German federal transport authority, KBA, through the Ministry of Transport, ordered that 95,000 vehicles opel be collected and updated in terms of electronic engine management.
The measure is the result of recent investigations carried out at the facilities of the German brand, where four computer programs were found capable of changing vehicle emissions in 2015, according to reports by Reuters.
Opel opposes the charges
Opel responded in a statement, first confirming the investigations carried out by the public prosecutor's office in Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern; and second, objecting to accusations of using manipulative devices, claiming that their vehicles comply with current regulations. According to a statement from Opel:This process has not yet been completed. It is not being delayed by Opel. If an order is issued, Opel will take legal action to defend itself.
The affected models
The models targeted for collection by KBA are the Opel Zafira Tourer (1.6 CDTI and 2.0 CDTI), the Opel Cascada (2.0 CDTI) and the first generation of Opel Insignia (2.0 CDTI). Models that Opel itself had already collected in a voluntary action between February 2017 and April 2018, with the same purpose.
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Opel's numbers also differ greatly from those put forward by KBA. The German brand states that only 31 200 vehicles were affected by this recall operation, of which more than 22,000 have already seen their software updated, so only less than 9,200 vehicles would be involved in last Monday's announcement by the German Transport Ministry, not 95,000.
Do you or don't you have manipulative devices?
Opel admitted in 2016, and is not the first manufacturer to do so, that the software used, under certain conditions, can effectively turn off the exhaust gas treatment systems. According to it, and even with other manufacturers that use the same practice, it is a measure of engine protection, and it's perfectly cool.
The legality of this measure, justified by gaps in the law, is precisely where the doubts of the German entities reside, whose investigations and announcements of collections have already affected several builders.