France Opens Investigation Into Volkswagen Scandal

Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation into suspected fraud by German carmaker Volkswagen.

The move follows findings by United States investigators that the car company rigged vehicle pollution emissions tests.

Volkswagen admitted last month that some 11 million of its diesel vehicles worldwide contained software that switched pollution controls on during emissions tests, but shut them off during normal driving. The cars spewed 40 percent more emissions into the air without the controls.

The "irregularities" have damaged the company's reputation and threatens its business.

Volkswagen has set aside $7.3 billion to help cover costs of the crisis, but has not announced a recall or how it plans to fix the problem.