Currently reading: Hyundai and Kia raided over suspected diesel defeat devices
German authorities claim that more than 210,000 cars made by the Korean brands are affected

Authorities in Germany today raided the factories of Hyundai and Kia over claims they allowed more than 210,000 diesel vehicles fitted with illegal defeat devices to be sold.

This engine software, which became infamous following the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal in 2015, can detect when the car is being tested and then change engine performance to improve results. 

The software in this instance is thought to have come from suppliers Bosch and the former Delphi Technologies, according to a statement from the Frankfurt state prosecutor's office.

Business premises at eight properties in Germany and Luxembourg were searched as part of the operation coordinated by the European Union agency Eurojust, Reuters reports.

Register for free to access this article
  • Instant access to all Autocar Business news
  • Regular email newsletters
See all benefits here