CEO of VW America Apologizes to Energy Committee

CEO and President of the American faction of Volkswagen went before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday, to apologize for the international company’s use of a software program that failed to meet regular emissions testing standards.

“I have volunteered to come before this committee at the very outset of these inquiries in an effort to show our commitment to cooperation,” said CEO Michael Horn.

In his address to the committee, Horn states that he was aware of a possible vehicle defect, but was under the impression that a remedy for the problem was well underway.

“I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied. I was informed that EPA regulations included penalties for non-compliance with the emissions standards and that the agencies can conduct engineering tests which could include ‘defeat device’ testing or analysis. I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue,” said Horn.

“Let me be clear, we at Volkswagen take full responsibility for our actions and we are working with all relevant authorities in a cooperative way,” continued Horn. “We are determined to make things right. This includes accepting the consequences of our acts, providing a remedy, and beginning to restore the trust of our customers.”

Meanwhile, the parent Volkswagen Company in Germany elected two new board members on Wednesday.

Hans Dieter Pötsch will serve as Chairman and Frank Witter was appointed to the board as the Finance supervisor.

This new election follows the resignation of Dr. Martin Winterkorn, former Volkswagen CEO.

Towards the end of September, 2015, a number of allegations emerged suggesting that Volkswagen had produced and sold vehicles that included software that circumvents emissions standards for certain air pollutants. As a result, thousands of diesel passenger cars sold in the United States had to be recalled.

Shortly thereafter, a Canadian law firm launched a $2.5 billion class action suit against VW.