Vauxhall has said it has not used ‘defeat devices’ in its vehicles following the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

A statement reads: “Our GM designed software has no features that detect that a vehicle is undergoing emission test cycles. Both at GM as well as at Vauxhall and Opel.

“Allow us to summarise how we deal with the topic of emission management in general.

"We would emphasise that GM has processes in place to proactively ensure robust emission compliance.

“This is done by global and regional compliance strategy review boards.

“These global processes ensure that our products comply with all vehicle emission regulations applicable to the markets in which they are sold.

"We are committed to the robust emissions compliance of all our vehicles. We expect our employees to be informed and act legally and ethically, without exception.

"Also, it is important to understand that what has happened with one of our main competitors does not mean that there is a general problem with diesels.

“We are among the leading companies for modern diesel technology, targeting the lowest pollutant emissions.

“Modern diesel drivetrains are key to achieving future European climate protection targets.

“The Euro 6 standard, which has been binding for all new registrations since the beginning of this month, protects both the environment and consumers. 

"We know that there is a lot of discussion about moving from the current emissions testing to new, more stringent consumption tests (World Light Vehicle Test Procedure) and exhaust measurements on the roads (Real-world Driving Emissions regulation) to reduce the differences between the test bench and the roads in the future.

“We are an active participant here on all discussion levels and once the new regulations are in place, we will of course comply. 

"We take this discussion very seriously and we consider it a matter of great importance that we are open and transparent in this matter too.

“We will continue to put the customer at the centre of everything we do and listen intently to our customers’ needs.”

Volkswagen Group deliberately fixed emissions software fitted to millions of its vehicles, it has admitted.

VW, Skoda and Seat models were fitted with software that was deliberately designed to cheat emissions tests. About 4,000 Euro 5 diesel cars and vans in the UK have been withdrawn from sale.