Haslam: ‘I Take Them At Their Word,’ VW Officials In Chattanooga Knew Nothing About Cheating

Gov. Bill Haslam says he’s convinced no one in Tennessee knew about cheating on emissions tests at Volkswagen, despite claims the scandal reaches further than first thought.

Haslam told reporters Tuesday that he has no reason to believe anyone in Chattanooga was aware of the software that was installed in many diesel-engine Volkswagens to fool emissions inspectors. 

The governor visited Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant in early October, and he’s been in touch with officials at the German automaker frequently.

“They were as surprised as anyone else, and I take them at their word for that,” he said. “My sense is this was part of an engineering design that was happening out of Germany. And again, I’ve been reassured that nobody in Chattanooga had anything to do with it.”

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency said the software was installed in even more cars than Volkswagen has admitted, including the company’s Porsche brand. Volkswagen disputes the claim.

Haslam says Volkswagen needs to be truthful if it’s to rebuild customer confidence.

It’s not just the company’s reputation that’s on the line, he says. So is the state’s brand.