Embattled automaker Volkswagen has developed a catalytic converter that could be fitted to around 430,000 cars with the first generation of the EA 189 diesel engine, allowing them to pass US emissions tests, German newspaper "Bild am Sonntag" said Sunday.

The paper did not provide any information on its sources, but a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that VW's proposal included a new catalytic converter system made in part from new materials.

Volkswagen has declined to comment on the report.

Searching for a solution

In September, the Wolfsburg-based automaker admitted to having used cheating software in about 11 million diesel vehicles that would show the vehicle emitting lower nitrogen oxide emission in tests - emissions that in reality were far beyond those permitted.

Volkswagen has struggled to agree with US authorities on a fix for the vehicles fitted with the cheating devices, a solution that would need to be approved by the US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

New Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller, who took over after US authorities uncovered the scandal last year, is hoping to convince EPA officials at a meeting in Washington on Wednesday. He is scheduled to speak at an invitation-only media reception in Detroit on Sunday, ahead of the annual Detroit auto show.

Lawsuits pending

Earlier in the week, the US Justice Department, representing the EPA, filed a civil suit that could potentially expose VW to more than $20 billion (18.3 billion euros) in fines under the Clean Air Act.

Numerous private class-action lawsuits filed by angry VW owners are pending, in addition to a separate criminal investigation.

av/cmk (Reuters, AFP, Bild am Sonntag)