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VW Knew of U.S. Diesel Emission Problem More than a Year Ago

Michael Horn, who heads Volkswagen AG operations in the U.S., is set to tell Congress on Thursday he was told in spring 2014 that some of VW's diesel-powered cars faced emission compliance issues.
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Michael Horn, who heads Volkswagen AG operations in the U.S., is set to tell Congress on Thursday he was told in spring 2014 that some of VW's diesel-powered cars faced emission compliance issues.

But Horn says he wasn't aware the problem stemmed from software developed to deliberately cheat federal tests. According to written testimony, he says the revelation is "deeply troubling" to learn of the deception a few weeks ago. He offers another apology on behalf of VW.

Horn plans to testify that he was told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intended to look for "defeat devices" in the VW diesels and that the company faced fines if any were found. EPA announced on Sept. 18 that 482,000 diesel-powered VW vehicles in the U.S. were equipped with cheater software.

Horn adds that he was told later last year that VW engineers had a specific remedy to bring the affected cars into compliance and were discussing their plan with the agency.

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