B erlin (dpa) – The automaker Opel will comment in the coming days the scandal of the diesel on the operation of the purification of the exhaust gases in three models
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt ( KBA) Asked for comments within two weeks, writes the "Picture on Sunday". A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed Friday that there was "an official hearing against Opel for three Euro 6 models". "Before the outcome of this hearing, nothing can be said conclusively about the inadmissibility of the device of defeat."
Defeat devices are used to control emissions control. The car manufacturers justify it by the protection of the engine. However, for many models, there is some doubt as to whether this is really necessary. If the exhaust gas cleaning is not working properly, the diesels emit more harmful nitrogen oxides. Since the air limits are exceeded in many cities, driving restrictions for diesel cars. In Hamburg, there are already restrictions, in Stuttgart, they should come from 2019th
Further details on the number of vehicles affected at Opel did not do the ministry on Saturday. A spokeswoman said: "We are holding the official hearing." An Opel spokesman said the company had no decision from the KBA.
According to Bild am Sonntag, 60,000 Zafira diesel vehicles are affected worldwide, Insignia and Cascada. An Opel spokesperson did not comment Saturday and refers to Friday night's statement: "We can not comment on the open procedures that began more than two years ago."
The process basically concerns the issue of the cleaning efficiency of exhaust gases on certain vehicles, in which areas it is fully used and if it was allowed. Until now, Opel has always justified reducing the cleaning of exhaust gases in large temperature ranges and at high speeds by protecting important components in the vehicle. It was technically necessary and legal.
In 2016, KBA commissioned improvements to cars manufactured by several manufacturers with ostentatious shows. In total, 630,000 cars were affected, including 90,000 by Opel. According to the company, these are the vehicles of the models Zafira Tourer, Insignia (previous generation) and Cascada, which were produced until the summer of 2016.
Voluntary conversion is in progress, said the Opel spokesman Saturday. He has not named a number of vehicles that have been converted since. The new emission control software, used since the summer of 2016, is significantly more efficient and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
Unlike other automakers, Opel has never been involved in forensic investigations or a mandatory recall. The Frankfurt prosecutor had stopped the preliminary investigations more than a year ago.
VW admitted in September 2015 to have handled exhaust gases in millions of diesel cars. The group then plunged into a serious crisis. Meanwhile, many German automakers are involved in the exhaust gas scandal, there are investigations and countless lawsuits. The Federal Motor Transport Authority has mbad recalls.
