Workers at Porsche and a US subsidiary company are being investigated for suspected fraud and false advertising related to diesel emissions, the Stuttgart prosecutor's office was reported to have said.

In a statement cited by Reuters, Stuttgart prosecutor Jan Holzner said there were grounds to suspect potential fraud and false advertising by Porsche employees, while declining to elaborate given the ongoing nature of the probe.

Porsche told the news agency it was cooperating fully with authorities and had proactively sought contact with prosecutors even before a formal probe was launched.

Illegal software has been found in VW, Audi and Porsche cars equipped with diesel engines, the report noted.

Some Porsche models have Audi-made three litre diesel engines and Munich prosecutors separately are investigating Audi about its role in designing that engine, the report added.

Reuters noted prosecutors last week arrested Audi worker Giovanni Pamio on suspicion of fraud and false advertising. He's in custody and being sought by the US Justice Department for his alleged role directing Audi employees to design software to cheat US emissions tests.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.