BMW rejects claims of manufacturer collusion on emissions treatment systems

German carmaker BMW has rejected a media report which suggests that it colluded with rivals on the design of emissions treatment systems in its vehicles.

German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Friday that BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche may have colluded to fix the prices and designs of diesel emissions treatment systems and other vehicle parts.

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

The European Commission revealed that EU antitrust regulators were investigating the allegations and German politicians have called for transparency and punishment in the event of wrongdoing.

BMW said it rejected accusations its diesel cars with Euro 6 engines do not provide adequate exhaust treatment because the AdBlue tanks - that inject urea solution as part of the process - are too small.

It said its technology combined AdBlue tanks with catalytic converters to lower harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations, fulfilling all requirements and meaning that no vehicle recalls or software upgrades for Euro 6 engines were necessary.

The company reiterated it was committed to carrying out voluntary, free-of-charge software updates of older diesel passenger cars with Euro 5 engines.