Spanish police probe

MADRID: Spanish police say they have cracked down on a string of garages that provided customers with mechanical and software services that enabled their cars to cheat emission checks in a scam similar to that which has engulfed Volkswagen.

Following a tip-off, police discovered that eight garages in Madrid were removing diesel filters and reprogramming software so that motors could deliver more power, be cheaper to service and fool emissions testing equipment.

The garages charged customers 100 to 200 euros ($112 to $224) to remove diesel particulate filters, thus improving performance and reducing servicing costs that can amount to 1,200 euros ($1345).

The reprogrammed software then made the harmful emissions issued by the tampered-with engines undetectable, a police statement said on Saturday.

Police did not immediately say how many people were arrested in the investigation.