The EU on Tuesday said it was too early to launch a European investigation into whether Volkswagen has cheated in pollution measuring tests after shock revelations in the United States.

"We are taking the matter very seriously," European Commission spokeswoman Lucia Caudet said in an email to AFP, adding that Brussels was in touch with Volkswagen and US authorities.

"Investigations are ongoing within Volkswagen as well as in the US and in Germany. Therefore, it is premature to comment on whether any specific immediate surveillance measures are also necessary in Europe and whether vehicles sold by Volkswagen in Europe are also affected," she said.