VW scandal caused nearly 1m tonnes of extra pollution, analysis shows

" Emissions could have far greater impact in Europe, where almost half passenger cars are diesel, than the US

" Company bosses to meet on Wednesday to decide response to emissions-rigging scandal

Volkswagen's rigging of emissions tests for 11m cars means they may be responsible for nearly 1m tonnes of air pollution every year, roughly the same as the UK's combined emissions for all power stations, vehicles, industry and agriculture, a Guardian analysis suggests.

The potential scale of the scandal puts further pressure on Volkswagen's board and its chief executive, Martin Winterkorn. The company's executive committee plans to meet on Wednesday to discuss the affair and to agree the agenda of a full board meeting scheduled for Friday, amid reports that Winterkorn could be replaced.