3rd Report - Volkswagen emissions scandal and vehicle type approval

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The Government agrees that the actions of Volkswagen were unacceptable and that the type approval system and emissions testing need to be strengthened, while setting out a more qualified position on investigation, disclosure and some detailed recommendations.

• On Volkswagen, it "strongly agrees" that the company's actions were "completely unacceptable" and says it is "continuing to consider how best" to ensure "appropriate legal consequences", having "not ruled out opening our own investigation".
• On compensation and fixes, it agrees that Volkswagen "must meet the full costs of implementing the technical fixes" and that owners "must not be out of pocket". It says it is unable to comment further on contracts between owners and dealerships.
• On Real Driving Emissions, it describes a two-step framework, with a conformity factor of 2.1 from 2017 and 1.0 plus an allowance of 0.5 for measurement uncertainty from 2020, rather than a stricter factor sooner.
• On publishing records of its discussions with manufacturers about EGR strategies, the Government "has noted" the recommendation. It also "notes" the labelling recommendations, saying "the exact arrangements and timescales are yet to be finalised".

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error