Diesel recalls in Europe have been delayed by Volkswagen. This was likely due to claims that the fix for the tweaked engine had resulted in higher fuel consumption, Automotive News reports.
Recalls began in January with the Volkswagen Amarok, with its 2.0 litre diesel engines. The recall (and fix) was meant to make the units compliant with type approval law. Said recall was organised throughout Europe and covered cars from Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat models.
That said, the second wave of diesel recalls which involves some 160,000 Volkswagen Passat models has been held back. A spokesman for Volkswagen confirmed the delay. However, the spokesman said claims made that the rise in fuel consumption was due to changes in the engine’s software, were just speculation.
According to the spokesperson, checks are still underway as to whether the change affects fuel consumption and more importantly – CO2 emissions. “We have to guarantee that noise and especially CO2 emissions are exactly the same as before the fix,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, it was also explained that the decision by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to replace Volkswagen technicians with independent technicians half-way through, had also resulted in the recall being delayed. This was to ensure accuracy in the testing process, he explained.
The next recall will include Passat models and 90,000 Audi A4, A5 and Skoda Superb cars, all of which are fitted with 2.0 litre engines, while recalls for Seat vehicles will follow later. About 2.5 million vehicles with 2.0-, 1.6- and 1.2 litre Euro 5 engines in Germany are slated for a recall.
All 2.0 litre and 1.2 litre engines will get a software upgrade which requires about half and hour of labour time. On top of the software upgrade, the 1.6 litre diesel mills will also require installation of a piece of mesh to regulate air flow. This process takes less than an hour.
Recalls will soon be rolled out to the EU’s 27 member states following an approval from the KBA. Volkswagen is looking to make 13 separate recalls this year, according to the spokesperson.
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Wow..what a big mistake made by Volkswagen in the first place. Now the remedial action seems very difficult and very costly. Not to mention the effect to their brand image.
My customer told me he was lucky listening to me last night. He almost bought the VW.
Fix = >FC + <power. More saman coming soon.
With all this bad news, I think better for VGM in Malaysia just close shop. Somemore in Malaysia we got DSG scandal, which is worse.