VW shares plummet after Dieselgate scandal spreads to gas engines

VW Logo by Oliver Dead via FlickrIt seems we've not heard the last of Volkswagen's global Dieselgate scandal which since September has revelealed 11 million vehicles cheated emissions tests using a 'defeat device' placed there for the sole purpose of gaming exhaust emissions tests. The result is that VW vehicles could be polluting the air up to multiple times the regulated amount. The company’s ordinary shares slid 9.7 per cent Wednesday to 100.80 euros in morning trading in Europe.

It seems the shenanigans were not limited to diesel vehicles and now the findings that several gas models could have also been 'gamed' has sent VW shares plunging. Another 800,000 gas or petrol powered cars have now been identified. Namely 1.4-litre engines used in European VW Polo and Golf models, as well some Seat and Skoda cars, and the Audi A1 and A3. Noted, these vehicles aren't sold in North America but the revelation has some countries asking for more emissions tests of existing VW, Audi and Porsche vehicles just to be safe.