Five million VW cars affected due to emissions scandal

Volkswagen has revealed that internal investigations are ongoing as to which of its cars are affected by the emissions software that allowed its cars to cheat emissions tests in the USA, and their whereabouts in the world. However, it has confirmed that 5m of the 11m cars affected are VWs.

In a statement, the firm said: "The internal evaluation revealed that approximately five million Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand vehicles are affected worldwide. Certain models and model years of these vehicles (such as the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, the seventh generation Volkswagen Passat and the first generation Volkswagen Tiguan) are equipped exclusively with type EA189 diesel engines.

"As previously announced, all new Volkswagen Passenger Car brand vehicles that fulfill the EU6 norm valid throughout Europe are not affected. This therefore also includes the current Golf, Passat and Touran models."

Although VW has not stated which of its other brands has cars caught up in the scandal, it is widely expected to be Audi, Seat and Skoda, all of which sold cars equipped with the EA189 diesel engine at the centre of the emissions storm. To date, it has only been confirmed that 480,000 VWs will be recalled in the USA.

Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand said: “We are working at full speed on a technical solution that we will present to partners, to our customers and to the public as swiftly as possible. Our aim is to inform our customers as quickly as possible, so that their vehicles comply fully with regulations. I assure you that Volkswagen will do everything humanly possible to win back the trust of our customers, the dealerships and the public.”

The statement concluded by saying that the firm will establish where affected cars are and put in place remedial work. "We are working intensively on remedial measures in close coordination with the certification authorities. The vehicles are and remain technically safe and roadworthy," it said.

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