Switzerland bans sale of Volkswagen diesels

GENEVA

Switzerland banned the sale of Volkswagen diesel vehicles Saturday, local media reported, in the sternest reaction to the emissions scandal that has hit the German carmaker.

The ban applies to Euro5 models produced between 2009 and 2014, which include most of the cars fitted with software to cheat emissions tests.

The Federal Roads Office estimated the ban would affect up to 180,000 new and unsold vehicles. Motorists who already own one of the banned models will be allowed to continue driving.

Other nations, including Germany, Britain and the U.S. have launched investigations into emissions from Volkswagen vehicles.

The company has admitted 11 million vehicles, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands, were equipped to fool emissions tests but pump out harmful pollutants when driven. It faces fines of up to $18 million in the U.S. and has experienced a huge fall in its share value.

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made the first allegations against Volkswagen. CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned after executives admitted knowing about the scheme and was replaced by Matthias Mullet.

The auto giant has called an emergency shareholders’ meeting for Nov. 9.

GENEVA

Switzerland banned the sale of Volkswagen diesel vehicles Saturday, local media reported, in the sternest reaction to the emissions scandal that has hit the German carmaker.

The ban applies to Euro5 models produced between 2009 and 2014, which include most of the cars fitted with software to cheat emissions tests.

The Federal Roads Office estimated the ban would affect up to 180,000 new and unsold vehicles. Motorists who already own one of the banned models will be allowed to continue driving.

Other nations, including Germany, Britain and the U.S. have launched investigations into emissions from Volkswagen vehicles.

The auto giant has called an emergency shareholders’ meeting for Nov. 9.