BMW rejects reports of emissions manipulations

BMW has ‘categorically rejected’ reports that the emissions treatment systems in its vehicles do not work effectively and that it colluded with rivals on designs.

The Bavarian marque has come under the spotlight amid allegations its diesel cars with Euro6 emissions-compliant engines do no provide adequate exhaust treatment because the AdBlue tanks designed to lower harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations are too small.

"Cars of the BMW Group are not being manipulated and are in line with the applicable legal requirements," BMW said in a statement.

BMW says the technology in its Euro6 diesel vehicles combine AdBlue tanks with catalytic converters to lower NOx emissions.

The development comes as Volkswagen and Daimler face increased scrutiny over allegations they colluded illegally to hold down the prices of technology including emissions equipment.

German magazine Der Spiegel has reported the car-makers agreed in 2006 to limit the size of the tanks used to hold AdBlue to save space for other features including sound systems.

In addition, Volkswagen has admitted the AdBlue dosage in its vehicles was programmed to small amounts, leading to excess emissions.

The European Commission has partially confirmed a report in Der Spiegel magazine that said authorities were investigating evidence that representatives of the car-makers met regularly to agree on technical specifications.

According to Der Spiegel the meetings covered specifications varying from brakes and clutches to emissions systems. They reportedly began in the mid-1990s and continued until recently, said the report, which cited documents from an “antitrust investigation”.

Vehicle emissions continue to come under scrutiny following revelations of software cheating by the Volkswagen Group in 2015.