Final answer:
Volkswagen used a defeat device to cheat during emissions testing, altering the engine's performance to produce lower emission levels during testing but emitting pollutants at higher levels during real-world driving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Volkswagen's Emissions Testing Cheating
In the IT's About Business 3.1 case, Volkswagen used software known as a "defeat device" to cheat during emissions testing. This software was programmed to detect when the car was undergoing emissions testing and would alter the engine's performance to produce lower emission levels.
By doing this, Volkswagen was able to meet the regulatory standards for emissions during testing, but during real-world driving, the cars were actually emitting pollutants at levels much higher than allowed.
This cheating scandal was uncovered in 2015 and resulted in significant financial penalties for Volkswagen and a loss of public trust in the company.