31–40 of 341 posts
> The software was designed to conceal the cars’ emissions of the pollutant nitrogen oxide, which contributes to the creation of ozone and smog. Is this an error in the article or is creating ozone a bad thing?
I don't understand how California detected this. The one time I had to take my 2010 Jetta turbo diesel for a smog check, the inspection was ENTIRELY visual. The inspector did not insert a probe into the tailpipe. He did plug the test rig into the OBD-II port under the steering column and turn the key to the accessory position (presumably to electronically capture the VIN), but that's it. I even asked him at the end i…
I don't understand how California detected this. The one time I had to take my 2010 Jetta turbo diesel for a smog check, the inspection was ENTIRELY visual. The inspector did not insert a probe into the tailpipe. He did plug the test rig into the OBD-II port under the steering column and turn the key to the accessory position (presumably to electronically capture the VIN), but that's it. I even asked him at the end i…
I don't understand how California detected this. The one time I had to take my 2010 Jetta turbo diesel for a smog check, the inspection was ENTIRELY visual. The inspector did not insert a probe into the tailpipe. He did plug the test rig into the OBD-II port under the steering column and turn the key to the accessory position (presumably to electronically capture the VIN), but that's it. I even asked him at the end i…
I'm not sure about CA specifically, but some states only do full inspections on newer vehicles every other year. e.g. In a particular year the odd year models get the full inspection and the even year models just get a quick inspection and then vice versa in the next year.
i haven't done one in over a decade because i lease my cars as a business expense.
also, ca has 'test-only' smog centers which do not perform repairs - if you fail there, you have to get your car tested and repaired somewhere else.
needless to say ca highly incentivizes you to buy new clean cars. it quickly becomes very expensive to fix an old, polluting car under this regime. imagine how fast the bills can pile up if the first or second fix doesn't work. with new econo class cars available for ~$100/month on finance or lease, it doesn't really make sense to keep an old clunker around unless it's a collectible.
I can't believe such a large company would cheat like that. I think there must be more to this. Maybe a rogue employee?
Does HN not detect duplicates? I submitted the same article 3 minutes before OP. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10239985 There's also another submission 15 minutes after OP's submission too. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10240106
Your submission uses: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/19/business/volkswagen-is-ord...
Does HN not detect duplicates? I submitted the same article 3 minutes before OP. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10239985 There's also another submission 15 minutes after OP's submission too. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10240106
The OP's link after .html: ?_r=0
Your link after .html: ?module=Notification&version=BreakingNews®ion=FixedTop&action=Click&contentCollection=BreakingNews&contentID=50913528&pgtype=Homepage
The 3rd link after .html: ?referrer=
In this case, while the links may lead to the same article, they are NOT the SAME link.
edited: to make url differences more visible
When I last bought a VW (2008) I was concerned due to a clunking noise after first starting it up and driving a few miles; I called the VW service dept and they explained that there was a compressor which captured exhaust fumes and released them at a lower rate for the first few miles of each journey -- to help them meet EPA emissions standards. I was assured there was nothing to worry about. While this is a differen…
Just like sports, even stiffer fine and ruined reputation on being caught cheating.
Just like sports, companies will still cheat. When punishment doesn't work, the answer is rarely more punishment.
Does HN not detect duplicates? I submitted the same article 3 minutes before OP. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10239985 There's also another submission 15 minutes after OP's submission too. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10240106