Ford has confirmed that the mid-size Ford Mondeo is being investigated by German motor authorities for the possible use of an emissions “cheat device” on diesel-powered models, according to Automotive News Europe. Ford Germany said this week that none of its cars are equipped with any such software, which would enable the car to detect when it is being tested for emissions and temporarily activate exhaust after-treatment systems only to pass testing.
The investigation of the Ford Mondeo diesel was prompted by test data that could be indicative of the use of such a device, German publication WirtschaftsWoche reports. Lab testing meant to uncover evidence relating of cheat software is already underway.
“No illegal shut-off devices were used in our diesel exhaust after-treatment systems,” Ford Germany chief Gunnar Herrmann told WirtschaftsWoche. Ford has “neither cheated, nor used tricks,” he added.
Regulatory agencies worldwide have been on the lookout for any evidence of diesel cheat devices for nearly two years, when it was discovered that German automaker Volkswagen had been using vehicle software to achieve lower nitrous oxide emissions in testing than in normal use. Ford’s crosstown rival, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has also been investigated for allegedly using software to cheat testing on its diesel models.
No Comments yet