Audi adds to VW Group diesel cheat count

AUDI Australia has announced that 14,028 of its vehicles are affected by the diesel emissions cheating scandal, bringing the total number of Volkswagen Group vehicles impacted in Australia to 91,177.

The German luxury car-maker released a statement overnight confirming that it had added an online tool to its consumer website where customers can key in their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if their vehicle is affected.

Audi's announcement follows a similar release from Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) yesterday confirming that 77,149 Volkswagen passenger and commercial vehicles and Skodas are affected.

Several Audi models sold between 2008 and 2015 are caught up in the Volkswagen Group diesel cheating scandal. These current-generation versions of the A4, A5 and A6 as well as the Q3 and Q5 SUVs. Previous-generation A3 hatches and TT sportscars are also included.

The diesel emissions defeat device was fitted to EA189 diesel engines, meaning petrol engines, Euro 6 TDI diesels and Euro 5 V6 and V8 TDI diesels are not affected.

Audi said in its statement that until a solution is found, customers do not need to act, but they are welcome to call a 24-hour customer information hotline.

Last week Audi announced that it had added more staff to its customer call centre and extended its service centre operating hours to cope with the expected increase in inquiries.

Audi has already confirmed that it has halted sales of new vehicles fitted with the emissions cheating software, with impacted A4, A5 and Q5 models taken off the showroom floor until the issue is resolved.

Like VGA, Audi Australia has also updated relevant government authorities about its plans and the progress of investigations by its parent company.

Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Mueller told German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that the company will launch a massive global recall of affected vehicles in January that is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle said the company will communicate with its affected customers as soon as it has a solution from Audi HQ in Germany.

“Audi Australia takes this issues extremely seriously,” he said. “We are constantly in contact with our head office to accurately establish all the facts so that we can support our Australian owners and our national dealer network.

“As soon as more information comes to hand, and a technical solution has been prepared, Audi Australia will present its action plan to its 14,028 customers.

We understand the concern of our owners, and our dealers network, in light of this global topic.”