Volkswagen not alone in defying pollution limits

One diesel car checked by the German government gave off more than 12 times as much harmful nitrogen oxide as permitted. Another was 5 times over the limitation, but another 6 times above.

The vehicles were not produced by Volkswagen. They were a Jeep, a General Motors sedan and also a Mercedes-Benz.

A growing stack of current government and personal research studies has actually made it clear that Volkswagen was barely the only company to flout pollution limitations. While Volkswagen illegally manipulated test results, the other carmakers in Europe simply benefited from a loophole that enables them to throttle down emissions controls whenever there is danger of engine damage – which in many cases is almost all the time.

Such details has awakened car buyers to the real ecological expense of diesel, with significant reputation and financial consequences for the car industry. Firms are now on the defensive in their core diesel market of Europe, as environmental groups promote tougher regulations, authorities transport car executives prior to hearings and political leaders require an end to beneficial fuel taxes.