VW Scandal: New Catalytic Converter Could Fix US Cars, Says CEO
car&bike Team
1 min read
Jan 12, 2016, 12:18 AM
Volkswagen will propose a new catalytic converter system to US authorities that could be fitted to around 430,000 cars capable of cheating diesel emissions tests, Chief Executive Matthias Mueller said on Sunday.
"We have one (catalytic converter) in the works and we believe that will be a part of the technical solutions," Mueller told reporters at a VW event on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show.
Asked whether he expects the new catalytic converter to bring 430,000 rigged US cars into line with emissions standards, the CEO replied: "Yes, we believe that this is possible."
Mueller is meeting US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy on Wednesday, where he plans to make his proposal.
Mueller expressed optimism that VW and the EPA would be able to bridge their differences. McCarthy has previously bemoaned that both sides have failed to develop "a satisfactory way forward" despite months of talks.
"I think we can now offer a package that will come very close to what the EPA is expecting from us," the CEO said.
Part of the proposal will be an offer by the German company to repurchase some of the affected US cars, said Mueller, but declined to elaborate. Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper last week said VW may need to buy back around 115,000 US vehicles.
"We will offer some solutions and we will see how the reaction (from the EPA) will be," said Mueller. "We are confident that we will find a good solution."
Former Porsche CEO Mueller, who took the helm of Europe's largest automaker on September 25, said he will meet "a lot of people" in Washington on Wednesday without giving names, adding that he would also be willing to testify before US Congress on the emissions scandal, if asked.
Mueller, on his first visit to the United States since taking the top job at VW, cited differences between Germany's data protection code and comparable US rules when asked to comment on accusations by US state attorneys that VW was shielding documents from investigations.
He said VW made a "huge mistake" by cheating US emissions tests and any steps by the carmaker to overcome the crisis must include efforts to "better understand" the US market, the world's second-largest.
Asked whether he was worried about the possibility of US criminal investigations, he said: "If that was the case, then yes."
"We have one (catalytic converter) in the works and we believe that will be a part of the technical solutions," Mueller told reporters at a VW event on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show.
Asked whether he expects the new catalytic converter to bring 430,000 rigged US cars into line with emissions standards, the CEO replied: "Yes, we believe that this is possible."
Mueller is meeting US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy on Wednesday, where he plans to make his proposal.
Mueller expressed optimism that VW and the EPA would be able to bridge their differences. McCarthy has previously bemoaned that both sides have failed to develop "a satisfactory way forward" despite months of talks.
"I think we can now offer a package that will come very close to what the EPA is expecting from us," the CEO said.
Part of the proposal will be an offer by the German company to repurchase some of the affected US cars, said Mueller, but declined to elaborate. Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper last week said VW may need to buy back around 115,000 US vehicles.
"We will offer some solutions and we will see how the reaction (from the EPA) will be," said Mueller. "We are confident that we will find a good solution."
Former Porsche CEO Mueller, who took the helm of Europe's largest automaker on September 25, said he will meet "a lot of people" in Washington on Wednesday without giving names, adding that he would also be willing to testify before US Congress on the emissions scandal, if asked.
Mueller, on his first visit to the United States since taking the top job at VW, cited differences between Germany's data protection code and comparable US rules when asked to comment on accusations by US state attorneys that VW was shielding documents from investigations.
He said VW made a "huge mistake" by cheating US emissions tests and any steps by the carmaker to overcome the crisis must include efforts to "better understand" the US market, the world's second-largest.
Asked whether he was worried about the possibility of US criminal investigations, he said: "If that was the case, then yes."
Related News
Popular Volkswagen Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Feb 28, 2026Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX Recalled Over Transmission Malfunction RiskThe recall affects 969 units of the Toyota Land Cruiser and 117 units of the Lexus LX.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 27, 2026New Tata Tiago EV Spied Testing On Indian Roads: Enhanced Range Incoming?Launched in India in 2022, the Tiago EV received a notable update last year, adding in newer features and some styling tweaks.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 27, 2026VLF Mobster 135 Price Hiked As Introductory Offer EndsThe Mobster 135 is now priced at Rs 1.37 lakh (ex-showroom), which marks an increase of Rs 7,000.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 27, 2026New MG plug-in hybrid SUV Spied testing In India AgainMG’s next new launch in the Indian market could be the Wuling Starlight 560-based model that has been spied on test for the second time in India.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 27, 2026Mini Cooper S Victory Edition Bookings Open In IndiaSpecial edition of the Mini hatchback commemorates the brand’s 1965 Monte Carlo Rally victory.1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 27, 2026BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse Named 2026 World Car Person of the YearThe award makes him part of a select industry leaders to make the cut.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 28, 2026Tata Punch EV Facelift Review: More Range, More Sense, Less MoneyThe Tata Punch EV facelift gets a bigger 40 kWh battery, faster 60 kW DC charging, improved thermal management, and better real-world range, and all of that at a lower introductory price. But does it become a more complete package now?6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Feb 24, 2026Hero Destini 110 Review: Simplicity, RefinedThe Hero Destini 110 is a no-nonsense commuter that is simple, comfortable and above all, fuel efficient. In 2026, when buyers are spoilt for choice, is it good enough to consider?1 min read
Preetam Bora | Feb 23, 2026TVS Apache RTX Road Test Review: Redefining the Entry-Level ADVAfter spending some time with the TVS Apache RTX in traffic, the daily commute, as well as on open highways, one thing becomes clear: the RTX is trying to redefine the entry-level ADV segment. But is it without fault?1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 20, 2026Road Test: 2025 VinFast VF7 AWD Sky InfinityFlagship all-electric SUV from the Vietnamese car maker gets most of the basics right.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 18, 2026New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV FaceoffWith the new X3 30, BMW has a direct competitor to the petrol GLC 300, but which is the luxury SUV for you?1 min read