Volkswagen Emissions Scandal: Switzerland Bans Sale Of Selected Car Models

Switzerland Has Banned Sales Of Some VW Models Over The Latest Scandal

Things are going from bad to worse for Volkswagen after Switzerland announced it was temporarily banning the sales of thousands of cars because of fears over emission-test tricking devices.

Around 180,000 diesel models manufactured by the company which fall under the Euro 5 category could be affected by the ban, although it will only apply to cars not yet sold or registered.

Those with the Euro 6 category are immune, however, since they have updated emissions systems, according to Sky News.

Volkswagen hit the headlines after the US Environmental Protection Agency claimed that the manufacturer installed an illegal piece of software in its diesel cars that would allow the vehicles to appear far more environmentally friendly during testing than they would in the real world.

Volkswagen is embroiled in a scandal over emission test-tricking devices

Called a 'defeat device' this piece of software changes the way the engine behaves, massively reducing the amount of harmful emissions being produced by the car.

The news comes as ministers are facing new questions about the effectiveness of Britain's automotive testing regime in the wake of the scandal.

The Press Association reported that former Liberal Democrat transport minister Norman Baker has claimed David Cameron delayed imposing new emission limits following a personal request from German Chancellor Angela Merkel in order to protect the German motor industry.

Baker, who was transport minister from 2010 to 2013, said the move provoked furious protests from other ministers and from British manufacturers.

The chairman of the Commons Transport Committee, Louise Ellman, said Mr Baker's claims raised serious questions over the effectiveness and the independence of the whole testing regime.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced on Thursday that diesel cars in the UK would be re-tested following the VW revelations.

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