After GM Diesels was accused of cheating emissions by using a software and Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann claimed that the reports are not true, the company has announced that they are indeed using emissions software but says this is legal.
In a report by Auto Blog, Neumann said that the company does not use any "illegal defeat devices" in a press release. This comes after a report by the German media called Spiegel Magazine and an environmental advocacy group called Deutsche Umwelthilfe claimed that some of the vehicles of Opel intentionally tur off the emissions control when placed in specific situations.
The reports highlighted Opel's Zafira van and Insignia sedan models. Accordingly, the emissions control were turned off once it went over 90 miles per hour. Neumann pointed out that they have provided the company's engine software, calibration, and emissions strategy last October 2015 and they plan to provide more about these to the public.
Despite the explanations, German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said in a statement that the investigating committee doubt whether or not the practice of Opel is completely justified, Irish Times reported. The German government is now asking Opel for more information regarding their latest revelation in order to make sure that the car manufacturer is following the law.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Dobrindt and the committee gave Opel's representatives 14 days to provide them with the needed technical information. The government has not, however, made any official charges against Opel.
Using emission software or defeat devices are allowed under European law. However, it could only be used under certain conditions such as to protect the engine in colder temperatures.
The German government investigated 53 car models from various manufacturers after Volkswagen admitted that they have cheated emission tests regarding their diesel engine vehicles.
Opel has promised to cooperate with the German government.
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