UK, France, Germany Reportedly Lobby for Rigging Car Emissions Tests

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Britain, France and Germany lobbied earlier in 2015 to keep loopholes in vehicle tests that allow emission results to be rigged prior to calling for an investigation into a recent emissions compliance scandal involving Volkswagen’s diesel-driven cars, according to documents seen by The Guardian on Thursday.

On Friday, multiple sources revealed that Volkswagen had installed software in their automobiles that gave false emission test results for their diesel engines. Following the accusations the car manufacturer confirmed their malfeasance saying that it would affect about 11 million vehicles worldwide.

According to the newspaper, Britain, France and Germany urged the European Commission to retain a 1970-era New European Driving Cycle test, rather than replacing it with an upgraded World Light Vehicles Test Procedure in 2017. The 1970 procedure provides loopholes to lower real carbon dioxide emissions by some 20 percent, according to EU consultants.

The gap between real world results and test emission measurements represents a $157 per year fuel price increase for drivers, according to the European Federation for Transport and Environment.

Volkswagen's chief executive Martin Wintercorn announced his resignation on Wednesday. His decision was made the day after the company announced that it would set aside some $8 billion to offset projected legal fees, court fines, and the rebuilding of its brand.