The open letter appears to be intended for all companies, not just Volkswagen Group brands that are involved in the ongoing emissions-cheating crisis, though the move is clearly prompted by VW’s actions.
The notice warns that manufacturer-supplied vehicles used for emissions and fuel-economy testing will likely be subject to additional milage and a longer testing process. The agency reserves the right to implement driving cycles “expected to be encountered in normal operation and use” to determine if the dynamometer results are being obscured by a ‘defeat’ device.
Notably, the EPA has had such broad authority for many years but never validated VW’s static emissions tests until the years-long cheating — dating back to the 2009 model year — was first exposed by university researchers.
The EPA will likely face criticism for complacency and failing to proactively police the industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received similar complaints for its handling of the General Motors ignition-switch recall, prompting a series of reforms aimed at reducing reliance on automakers’ self-investigations to spot safety problems.
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