Volkswagen has revealed that its EA288 engine does not contain the 'defeat device' software that has plunged the company into a crisis.

Previously, German news agency DPA had reported that early EU5-compliant versions of the EA288 motor – a unit derived from the EA189 design that’s been at the heart of the emissions scandal – were under scrutiny by VW engineers as they tried to establish the full extent of the problem.

VW issued a statement confirming that it was examining the engines, but now it says that process has been completed and stated “after thorough examination it is now confirmed that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5-engines.”

The conclusion is an important one for the troubled German manufacturer because it could have faced millions of further recalls if the EA288 engines – sold in 1.6- and 2.0-litre versions across the VW Group's range of brands – had been found to contain the code that sparked off the emissions scandal.

VW's statement added, "New vehicles of the Volkswagen Group offered within the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards."

The ‘defeat device’ software has prompted a recall of more than 11 million units worldwide and caused turmoil at the German manufacturer.

Criminal enquiry targets "fewer than 10 staff"

Criminal prosecutors in German who are investigating the dieselgate scandal have identified fewer than 10 suspects, despite earlier rumours that up to 30 staff could be implicated. Klaus Ziehe, spokesman for the prosecutors in the German city of Brunswick, told news agency AFP that investigators suspect "more than two but a lot fewer than 10 people".