Opel probed by German authorities over diesel emissions

German manufacturer Opel has had its Russelsheim and Kaiserslautern operations searched by German prosecutors this week, as part of an investigation into potential emissions cheating with diesel vehicles.

First reported by German newspaper Bild and further investigated by Automotive News Europe, criminal authorities are probing 95,000 vehicles from the 2012, 2014 and 2017 model years across the Insignia, Zafira and Cascada lines to see if engine management software in diesel models was "illegally manipulated".

The now French-owned carmaker issued a statement on Twitter soon after, saying "Opel confirms that the public prosecutor's office of Frankfurt is conducting investigations in the course of preliminary proceedings on emissions at the sites in Ruesselsheim and Kaiserslautern".

"We cannot comment on details concerning the ongoing investigation at this moment in time. The company is fully cooperating with the authorities. Opel reaffirms that its vehicles comply with the applicable regulations."

According to the report, Opel's parent PSA – which also owns French brands Citroen, DS and Peugeot – declined to comment on the matter.

However, while the current owners refused to issue a statement, the vehicles subject to investigation were developed while Opel and Vauxhall were under General Motors.

This news is the latest in a spate of office searches and raids in the wake of the Dieselgate emissions saga started by Volkswagen, which has seen numerous manufacturers accused of foul play.

Audi's former CEO, Rupert Stadler, was recently arrested for potentially suppressing evidence during investigations into the marque's operations, while Mercedes-Benz has also been accused of using defeat devices in its diesel engines on certain models.

BMW has also had some of its offices raided by German authorities, while Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been subject to a lawsuit in the US for alleged defeat devices in Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models, though it continues to  "vigorously defend" itself from these claims.

Given this is a developing story, it's unclear how diesel versions of the Holden Commodore will be affected. We've reached out to Holden for further comments, stay tuned.

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