Spanish Volkswagen manufacturers 'did not fit rogue software' to mask emissions, government claims

A FULL inspection programme of Volkswagen cars and vans has been arranged by Spain's government, although vehicles of other makes may also be scrutinised if the European Commission gives instructions to do so.

Minister of industry José Manuel Soria says VW, Seat, Audi and Skoda cars and VW vans on forecourts will be studied carefully, and those who have already bought models thought to be affected by the emissions-rigging scandal will be contacted in due course.

Soria says as soon as the news broke of the rogue software fitted to Volkswagen diesel engines, he asked manufacturers of the various brands in question made in Spain whether or not they had, in fact, fitted the fraudulent system.

They all, 'without exception', replied that 'none of them had' the software installed, Soria says.

The Spanish government is also fighting to ensure the Volkswagen group maintains its investment in Spain, which totals around €4.2 billion, in a bid to stop any plants or dealerships closing down and staff being made redundant.

Soria says Spain is, additionally, seeking to recover government subsidies given to car buyers based upon low emissions levels, and has made a claim for this money from the German motoring group.