Car Manufacturer News
BMW Finally Gets the EPA’s Okay on Diesel Models
Since Volkswagen admitted to installing defeat devices in its diesel models that allowed them to skate through emissions tests despite actually emitting up to 40 times the legal limit of pollutants, the EPA has been on high alert. This extra sensitivity in the diesel segment has led to multiple delays in the release of diesel-fueled vehicles. BMW was the latest to experience this delay, but a new Automotive News report claims that the German automaker has received the okay to bring its 2017 diesel models to the U.S.
The report comes from a conversation the EPA’s head of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Chris Grundler, had on the sidelines of an automotive conference. During this chat, the executive said that BMW received its much anticipated green light to start selling its 2017 diesel models on Friday.
According to Grundler, “We tested the vehicles every which way from Sunday.” In addition to intense testing, the EPA also requested additional data from Bimmer to assure its tests were accurate.
This approval gives BMW a head start over Mercedes as we enter the 2017 model year. To date, the EPA has yet to give Mercedes the thumbs up on its 2017 diesel models. Grundler refused to comment on why Mercedes hasn’t gotten its approval yet, but reports from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that there may be issues as the government arm asked Daimler to investigate its emissions certification process in April, and as of last month, there were EPA and CARB investigations into Daimler.
We’ll bring you updates as more diesel-fueled vehicles, including those from Volkswagen, get the green light for sale. Stay tuned.
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