BMW is now receiving scrutiny over the test results of its own diesel engines:
Germany’s motor vehicle administration “will concentrate its investigations not only on the Volkswagen models in question but will also do spot checks of other car manufacturers,†Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters in Berlin.
Emissions measured in road tests of 15 new diesel cars were an average of about seven times higher than European limits, according to a study published last October by the International Council on Clean Transportation, the same group whose tipoff led U.S. regulators to investigate a gap between VW diesels’ emissions in tests and on the road.
ICCT also found a gap between real-world and lab performance in BMW’s X3, Germany’s Autobild magazine reported. BMW said that there’s no system in its cars that responds to tests differently than it would operate on the road.
“The BMW Group does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests,†the Munich-based company said in a statement in response to the report. “We observe the legal requirements in each country.â€
It’s practically the perfect storm for the German automotive industry. If every time any German company comes up with good test results on emissions, they’re subjected to increased scrutiny because of suspected cheating, it’s going to be a problem.
Based upon the widespread and systematic manipulation of the testing process, it is not surprising. It might be that BMW didn’t take the next step and introduce a defeat device, but apparently inspections are privatized to independent bodies that watchdog groups feel have incentives to provide the best result. If that’s the case, one would expect one set of procedures for testing one brand or another (unless there are actually bribes involved).
Inspections privatized to ‘independent’ non-government agencies? Sounds like the bond rating system in the US.
…but apparently inspections are privatized to independent bodies that watchdog groups feel have incentives to provide the best result.
Reminds me of the Iranian Deal, where Iran provides it’s own samples to the IAEA to meet the approval standards set forth in this supposed infallible agreement (which should have been a treaty).