Germany May Demand Software Updates for 12 Million Diesels

Germany’s Transport Ministry is in talks with several carmakers about updating the emission control software in 12 million of the diesel-powered vehicles they sold in Europe.

The aim is to lower real-life emission of nitrogen oxides by about 25%. The news service says the combined cost of the recalls could be as much as €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion).

The ministry wants a solution ahead of Germany’s Sept. 24 elections. The government also is telling manufacturers they must pay for their own recalls and provide evidence that the repaired diesels meet Euro 4, 5 or 6 standards, depending upon their date of manufacture.

The government’s belated move comes nearly two years after Volkswagen AG admitted it rigged 8.5 million diesels in Europe to evade pollution rules. Several other carmakers currently are being investigated in Germany and elsewhere in Europe on claims that their diesels grossly exceed legal emission limits under actual driving conditions.

Those manufacturers insist they haven’t deliberately attempted to cheat on emission tests. But experts say some carmakers have abused Europe’s vague emission rules, which allow emission control levels to be eased under certain driving conditions to preserve the engine.