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The Stuttgart probe is the latest part of a sweeping
investigation of Volkswagen Group, which owns the Audi, VW and
Porsche brands. Illegal software has been found in VW, Audi and
Porsche cars equipped with diesel engines.
Prosecutor Jan Holzner said on Thursday the Porsche probe was
not a formal investigation but was rather still at a preliminary
stage.
Porsche had no immediate comment.
Some Porsche models are equipped with 3 liter diesel engines
supplied by Audi. Prosecutors in Munich are separately probing
Audi about its role in designing the 3 liter diesel engine.
Stuttgart prosecutor's office is also formally investigating
three employees at automotive supplier Bosch [ROBG.UL] for their
possible role in aiding and abetting emissions fraud by
Volkswagen AG <VOWG_p.DE>, Holzner said.
"We are investigating three employees. All three are managers,
with the highest ranking being in middle management," he said,
adding he could not rule out that the probe would be widened.
Bosch helped to develop an engine control unit, known as EDC17,
for Volkswagen's EA189 diesel engine which later failed
emissions tests.
Bosch said it takes allegations of engine manipulation "very
seriously" and is fully cooperating with authorities. Because of
the ongoing nature of the investigation Bosch declined to
comment on details.
(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Additional reporting by Andreas
Cremer; Editing by Maria Sheahan)
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