German authorities investigate Ford Mondeo diesel

UPDATED: 10:00AM 15/08/2017GERMANY’S federal motor transport authority, KBA, has been commissioned to investigate the 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Ford Mondeo over the possible use of an emissions cheat device, according to German publication WirtschaftsWoche.

Suspicions were raised when results of exhaust gas tests were obtained that suggested the Mondeo may be equipped with emissions shut-off devices, however Ford has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Ford Germany CEO Gunnar Hermann said the company had “neither cheated, nor used tricks” on the Mondeo diesel engines, adding: “There were no illegal switch-off devices used in the exhaust aftertreatment of our diesel models,” according to WirtschaftsWoche.

The KBA has been commissioned by the federal transport ministry to investigate the Mondeo, which was also the body that oversaw the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal which begun nearly two years ago.

Ford uses the 2.0-litre engine in Australian examples of the Mondeo, as well as the Escape mid-size SUV.

Ford Australia director of communications Martin Gunsberg told GoAuto: “Ford does not use any illegal defeat devices, and our vehicles and engines – including our modern diesel engines – comply with all current emission regulations.”

According to Ford, the company was first contacted by the KBA last week as part of its normal market surveillance program, and the company continues to work with the German regulatory body.

Tests from last year conducted by the UK department for transport showed no evidence of test cycle manipulation, while the ADAC (General German Automobile Club) awarded the Mondeo diesel four Ecostars in 2016.

The news comes soon after Germany’s largest manufacturers – BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz – agreed to implement a scheme where customers receive subsidies when trading in their old diesel-powered car with a Euro 4 rating or less for a new vehicle that emits under 130 grams of CO2 per km.

Volkswagen is offering up to €10,000 off a new vehicle with its trade-in scheme, as well as up to an additional €2380 depending on whether the vehicle uses an environmentally friendly powertrain.

Furthermore, 5.3 million diesel-powered European vehicles will have their software updated to improve emissions and stem the rise of negative perceptions regarding diesel engines.