Before any vehicle may be sold in the European market, it must pass a series of tests and inspections to prove the vehicle is legally compliant. These measures include emissions testing.
Since 1992, the maximum amount of pollution-causing emissions permitted by European Union regulations (popularly known as the Euro standard) has steadily decreased. In 2009, the Euro 5 standard dramatically reduced the permitted amount of NOx emissions by diesel vehicles. From September 2014, the Euro 6 standard imposed even stricter NOx norms.
Until 2017, emissions testing in Europe was done in a laboratory setting and not on the road. The defeat device software could differentiate between a test environment and real road driving. This meant that although these vehicles passed emissions testing, they would produce much higher levels of NOx than permitted by law when driven on the road.
What is NOx?
NOx is a dangerous nitrogen-based pollutant composed of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. These gases are a significant source of air pollution. They contribute to the formation of smog, acid rain and global warming. They cause damage to the Earth’s ozone layer similar to chlorofluorocarbons.
NOx is a known lung irritant. It causes respiratory problems including asthma, wheezing, coughing, colds, and bronchitis. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of NOx.
The cost of pollution
It is estimated that traffic pollution in Europe costs Europeans 60 billion euros annually and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year.
Your health
NOx from vehicles is a significant source of traffic pollution and a known irritant to the lungs. Volkswagen’s misconduct has placed your health and the health of children at risk by intentionally violating Euro 5 emission standards.
The environment
NOx is a dangerous nitrogen-based pollutant that contributes to acid rain, global warming, smog and deterioration of the ozone layer. Taking legal action will deter VW and other companies from putting their profits above your health and the planet.