VW ‘Clean Diesel’ Scheme Exposed as Criminal Charges Weighed
- Automaker admits to cheating on U.S. emissions tests for years
- Strategy to improve fuel economy results in possible fines
Volkswagen Admits Cheating U.S. Diesel Emissions Tests
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Volkswagen AG’s admission that it cheated to make nearly half a million diesel cars appear cleaner-burning than they are leaves the automaker facing billions in fines, its executives risking criminal charges and its U.S. expansion plans in peril.
VW admitted systematically cheating on U.S. air pollution tests for years, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday in citing violations that could add up to $18 billion in fines. The company said it has also heard from the Justice Department, which the EPA said could pursue criminal prosecution.