Volkswagen to be removed from the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

Following the “clean diesel” scandal, Volkswagen will be dropped from the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), a leading sustainability index in the early October.

Once a favourite of fuel efficient automakers, Volkswagen will be removed from the DJSI on October 6, a press release from index organizers RobecoSAM and S&P Dow Jones Indices said.

Volkswagen was earlier listed on both the European as well as global Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. It was also rate as the most sustainable automaker amongst its indexed competitors.

The auto manufacturer is said to have installed software called “defeat devices” that manipulated emission tests. This software turned on the full emission control when it sensed official testing taking place. In situations otherwise, the car on road would emit 10 to 40 times the legally permitted emissions.

The issue was first brought to light by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier in September, based on tests from West Virginia University.

In a September 11 press release, Martin Winterkorn — who resigned last week and is facing a criminal probe in Germany — said the award was evidence the group was on its way to being the “world’s most sustainable automaker.”

Volkswagen’s press team had no comment on news of the exclusion.