German automaker Porsche AG has started an internal investigation into the suspected manipulation of petrol engines, German weekly Bild am Sonntag reported.
Porsche has informed Germany’s automotive watchdog KBA, the Stuttgart prosecutor’s office, together with U.S. officials of suspected illegal changes to hardware and software that could impact exhaust systems and engine components, the report noted.
“Porsche is regularly and continuously reviewing technical and regulatory aspects of its vehicles,” a Porsche spokesman informed. “As part of such internal examinations, Porsche has identified issues and has, just like in the past, proactively informed officials.”
The spokesman said that the concerns relate to vehicles developed several years ago, adding that there were no indications that ongoing production was affected. The automaker is working with officials, he said.
The report, without citing where it obtained the information, said that engines developed between 2008 and 2013 were being investigated, including those of the Panamera and 911 models.
The paper also said that aside from discussions with workers, meeting protocols and hundreds of thousands of emails were being examined in search of proof, adding KBA has started an official investigation.
