Volkswagen confirms diesel cheat numbers

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA) has confirmed that 77,149 vehicles are fitted with the diesel emissions cheating device in Australia, and has urged concerned owners to access an online tool to determine if their vehicle is affected. More than 11 million Volkswagen Group vehicles have been impacted globally by the cheating scandal, with models powered by 1.6 or 2.0-litre versions of the EA189 diesel engine affected.

Worried VW and Skoda owners in Australia can now input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into a search box on each brand's public website to find out if their vehicle is fitted with the software.

The German automotive giant’s Australian operation said in a statement that impacted customers do not need to take any further action until the global parent company determines a suitable solution.

Last week, VW and Skoda halted sales of models fitted with the software in Australia after advising relevant government authorities – likely to be the department of industry and regional development and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission – of its strategy to manage the crisis.

The sales suspension will continue until the emissions issues are addressed, the company said.

In all, 54,745 Volkswagen diesel passenger cars are impacted, including the 2009-13 Golf, 2009-14 Polo, 2010-15 Jetta, 2008-15 Passat, 2008-12 Passat CC, 2011-15 CC, 2008-14 Eos and 2008-15 Tiguan.

In terms of Volkswagen commercial vehicles, 17,256 vehicles have the software, including the 2010-15 Caddy and 2011-12 Amarok.

Czech brand Skoda is also caught up in the scandal, with 5148 vehicles impacted, including the 2009-13 Octavia, 2011-15 Yeti and 2009-15 Superb.

Petrol and larger-capacity V6 and V8 diesel models are not affected, while the new Golf, Touareg, Crafter, Transporter, 2012-2015 Amarok and third-gen Skoda Octavia are also in the clear.

Volkswagen Group Australia managing director John White said the company understands that customers may be disappointed with the cheating scandal, and added that it is working hard to find a suitable solution.

“Volkswagen Group Australia takes this issue extremely seriously and is continuing to gather all the facts from our head office to support any rectification plans in Australia,” he said.

“We understand the disappointment and frustration felt by our customers, dealers and partners in Australia and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“We are doing everything possible to fix the problem and will be making further announcements in the near future.

“It is important for customers to note that all affected vehicles remain technically safe and driveable and that we will contact them in time to advise what the next steps are.”The Australian statement comes a day after incoming Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Mueller addressed more than 20,000 workers at the company's Wolfsburg headquarters where he promised the employees “swift and relentless clarification” on the emissions issue.

Speaking with the crowd, Mr Mueller said: “Apart from the enormous financial damage which it is still not possible to quantify as of today, this crisis is first and foremost a crisis of confidence.

“That is because it is about the very core of our company and our identity: it is about our vehicles.

“Our most important task will therefore be to win back the trust we have lost – with our customers, partners, investors and the general public.

“Only when everything has been put on the table, when no single stone has been left unturned, only then will people begin to trust us again,” Mr Mueller expressed his impatience at the speed of which the issue was being dealt with, but added that the company was still seeking clarification on a number of points relating to the scandal.

Mr Mueller highlighted the likely financial impact of the scandal on the company, saying: “While the technical solutions to these problems are imminent, it is not possible to quantify the commercial and financial implications at present.

“That is why we have initiated a further critical review of all planned investments. Anything that is not absolutely necessary will be cancelled or postponed. And it is why we will be intensifying the efficiency program. To be perfectly frank: this will not be a painless process,” he said.

“We will do everything we can to ensure that Volkswagen continues to stand for good and secure jobs in the future.” Two weeks ago, Volkswagen came clean about a defeat device it had fitted to millions of its vehicles globally that only activate full emissions controls when under test conditions, with the levels rising by up to 40 per cent under regular driving conditions.