BERLIN (Reuters) -- Volkswagen Group said 8 million diesel vehicles in the European Union were fitted with software capable of cheating vehicle emissions tests, according to a copy of the letter sent to German lawmakers and seen by Reuters.
The letter says that vehicles with 1.2-, 1.-6 and 2.0-liter diesel engines of the type EA 189 are affected.
VW has said it will have to refit up to 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide, including 2.8 million in Germany.
German newspaper Handelsblatt first reported the contents of the letter, which was sent to members of the transport committee in the German lower house of parliament, as well as lawmakers in constituencies where Volkswagen has factories.
The letter is dated Oct. 2 and co-signed by the former German government spokesman and current VW chief lobbyist Thomas Steg. The authors apologize "for the wrongdoing of a few individuals" and promise to fully clarify the matters, according to the Handelsblatt report.
A VW spokesman said he did not know about the letter and therefore could not comment.
VW is under huge pressure to get to grips with the biggest business crisis in its 78-year history, which has wiped more than a third off its share price.
