The fallout from allegations of emissions cheating at Volkswagen took another turn over the weekend when the German automaker told its U.S. dealers to stop selling certain 2015 diesel-powered cars.

The Environmental Protection Agency said Volkswagen and Audi diesels have skirted emissions rules using what regulators called a “defeat device.” While the cars were under testing, software would activate

emissions controls. On the road, the cars emitted up to 40-times more pollutants than allowed under federal clean air laws.

“I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public,” CEO Martin Winterkorn said in a statement, adding that Volkswagen has launched an external investigation. “We do

not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law.”

A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed that dealers have halted the sale of model-year 2015 cars with 2.0-liter diesel engines. Cars featuring the TDI Clean Diesel turbocharged engines include the Audi A3 and

the Volkswagen Golf, Passat, Beetle and Jetta.

Through the first eight months of 2015, U.S. sales of all Passat, Beetle and Jetta models are down more than 20% versus the same period a year ago. Volkswagen has delivered a total of 32,332 vehicles, an 8.1% decline.

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