Volkswagen Made Several Versions of Defeat Devices

Santa Clara, CAThree people familiar with Volkswagen defeat devices allege that the German automaker was aware that several versions of the software were made in order to “rig” diesel emission test results, according to a report by Reuters.

Over a period of seven years, Volkswagen altered the software for four engine types, according to the sources quoted by Reuters. Among the sources are a VW manager who knew what was going on, and a US official close to the investigation now underway. "VW would have had to reconfigure the software for each generation of engines," the US official said.

While spokespersons for VW in Europe and the United States have declined to comment on whether it developed multiple defeat devices, some industry experts and analysts said that the existence of several versions of the defeat device raised the possibility that a number of employees were involved. Software technicians would have needed regular funding and knowledge of engine programs, Reuters reports.

Volkswagen has publicly admitted to using software that could detect when a diesel vehicle was being tested and temporarily lower its toxic emissions to pass US regulations.