VW isn't handing documents to US emissions investigators

Volkswagen may be willing to recall vehicles affected by its emissions cheating scandal, but that doesn't mean that it's being entirely cooperative with investigators. Attorney general offices in multiple American states report that VW is refusing to hand over documents covering executives' communications -- that would violate German privacy laws, the company says. Whether or not it would, the moves are making it difficult to determine how much higher-ups knew about dodgy car emissions before the facts became public. And this isn't the only instance where it wasn't forthcoming. In filing a lawsuit against VW, the Justice Deparment claimed that the car maker had "impeded and obstructed" investigations.

It's important to note that VW has been cooperating in Germany, and it's not commenting on legal matters. However, it's apparent that CEO Matthias Müller's vow of "maximum transparency" isn't holding up -- the automaker is still being secretive with key info that would show whether or not leaders knew about emissions violations. Barring a mandatory disclosure in the near future, it could be a long while before you know whether or not VW's top brass played a role in the emissions affair.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Jens Meyer]