Volkswagen has not found a permanent fix for more than 600,000 diesel vehicles in the United States affected by the company's emissions testing scandal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not approved the German automaker's proposed solution that would include basic software tweaks. VW's new idea would reportedly involve the catalytic converter of 430,000 of the autos involved in the emissions testing fiasco.
German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported the VW proposal that was verified by The Financial Times and a Reuters source, according to The Verge. Vehicles included in the diesel engine changes contain a first-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine.
The catalytic converter is a device that converts exhaust gas. It changes toxic pollutants into less toxic ones by activating a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction. It is unclear if VW would replace the whole catalytic converter or change parts in the unit.
VW's emissions fix was reported days before Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller meets with EPA administrator Gina McCarthy in Washington, D.C. It will be their first meeting.
Volkswagen reportedly requested the conference. The automaker is in damage control mode and hopes to solve various issues with the federal agency.
McCarthy reported on January 7, Thursday, that the carmaker and regulatory agency will continue their talks. EPA hopes they can find a way for the German company to comply with its regulations.
The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) received the first plans from VW for its diesel engine fixes on November 20. Last month CARB delayed its deadline to rule on those plans until next week.
European regulators approved Volkswagen's repair proposals last month. However, The Verge points out that because US regulators have stricter missions rules, VW might be expecting the EPA to reject its first software fixes.
The major automaker is also facing a US Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit. It could result in a total bill of $48 billion in EPA/DOJ fines and penalties.
Volkswagen will introduce its new vehicles at the Detroit auto show on January 11, Monday, according to The Guardian. However, it is likely that DOJ's lawsuit related to "Dieselgate" could outshine the news of the company's new autos.