Volkswagen under investigation over illegal software that masks pollution

[Amalgam]

A very interesting video podcast from TFLCar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhvI2oeBPtY

[PerthMTB]

My understanding is that Australia is currently at Euro 5 emission levels, which were the affected engines.

According to the Department of Infrastructure's website on emissions standards, Australian standards are currently at Euro 5 (core), which means the Euro 5 emissions limits in the table below, but with certain exceptions including PM limits in diesels and the need for Nox detection equipment in petrol engines. We are due to go full Euro 5 from 1st November 2016, and Euro 6 in 2018.

Most of the current VW range are still being shipped to Oz with the EA189 Euro 5 engines (with the notable exception of the Golf, which I believe already has the EA288 Euro 6 engine), while in Europe they've already gone to the Euro 6 engines across the range. From what Audi Oz have said it seems almost certain now that the Oz Euro 5 engines have the 'cheat software' fitted. However, if they can meet Australia's Euro 5 (core) standards without the software being activated, (which seems very likely as it was designed specifically to become active during US test conditions, and we don't even have any tests in Australia - it's left to the manufacturers to self police), then I'm hoping Australian owners won't be affected by all this - except a relatively painless removal of the cheat software at some time down the track, and of course collateral damage in terms of reduced resale values because of all the media attention this has attracted.

However, if the Euro 5 engines don't meet the current Australian standards under prescribed test conditions (real world conditions are a different debate - currently manufacturers are only expected to meet the standards under specific conditions), that opens a whole new can of worms! VW will be hit with massive fines for cheating on the Australian standards and making false claims in it's advertising, and be forced into some kind of remedial action, which will likely include de-tuning of engines and/or retro-fitting expensive pollution control equipment like SCR, which will subsequently open them to class actions from disgruntled owners.

Let's just hope it's the first scenario!

[fox]

ACCC is yet able to get a clarification from VW Australia on which cars are impacted. I believe that VW Australia has not provided any information

https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-update-on-vw-enforcement-investigation

I need to know as an impacted owner how they are going to fix my car. I know my car has been impacted by check on VW germany website after entering the VIN that my car is affected. See link below

Aktuelle Kundeninformationen von Volkswagen

Really disappointed by VW Australia. I can't believe that VW Australia does not know anything, when anyone can find out for the parent company website.

Result for the VW website

"Dear Volkswagen customer, we must inform, unfortunately, did the built-in diesel engine type EA189 is affected by a software in your car with the chassis number [VIN number], nitric oxide levels (NOx) in the Test Run (NEDC) optimized . We assure you, HOWEVER, did your car is technically safe and roadworthy!


We deeply regret That We have your confidence disappointed and are working hard on a technical solution. Volkswagen Assumes of course the cost of all Necessary measures and is making every effort to fully regain your confidence.

Your Volkswagen partner will be as soon as Possible to come to you in order to inform you of the Necessary Measures. If you do not have a Volkswagen dealer contact, please use our contact function on this website.

Sincerely, Thomas Dental Sales and Marketing Director Germany"

[Transporter]

So, what's wrong with wait and see?
After all, they've informed you that your car is safe and roadworthy. I think that it says all. Most likely, when the fix is applied people will not notice any changes, at least not in AU.
Once, VW AU has the fix, they will contact all affected.

Just going from the past, the VW have always resolved any recalls and other fixes to 100% satisfaction. When the same cannot be said about some other car manufacturers.

[fox]

There is nothing wrong in waiting, I am a bit frustrated that VW Australia has not come up with anything whereas the parent company has put up a tool on their website to check for this issue.

[greymad]

I commend PerthMTB for his intelligent and informative contribution to this thread.

[Buzy_Robot]

There is nothing wrong in waiting, I am a bit frustrated that VW Australia has not come up with anything whereas the parent company has put up a tool on their website to check for this issue.

Late last night / early this morning I noticed a "Volkswagen Announcement" on the Volkswagen Australia website. Hovering over it would show a series of xxxxxxxx and clicking on the dieselinfo link would lead to 404 - File or directory not found. Unfortunately the "Volkswagen Announcement" has been removed from their website late this morning.

A quick perusal of the product range reveals a large number of vehicles with the older TDI engine have been removed eg. diesel Passat, CC, Jetta, Tiguan etc. Product information on TDI Golf is available.

[Eaglehawk]

A quick perusal of the product range reveals a large number of vehicles with the older TDI engine have been removed eg. diesel Passat, CC, Jetta, Tiguan etc. Product information on TDI Golf is available.

I can see the Alltrack still, but the link for pricing seems to be inactive. Golf 110TDI is fine though. Is this what you're talking about?

[Greg Roles]

Love the bumper sticker idea, hilarious.

Also liked the mention of huge ships and their emissions. Add to that that several people were fired back in 2000 from one of the airline engine manufacturers, can't recall which one, as they released the fact that in the early 2000's air planes were burning 58 million litres of aviation fuel a DAY. What would it be now?? No cat's on those engines!

As has been stated several times, storm in a teacup. HIGHLY unlikely any software update will drop power, given how easy it is to add 100nm to any 2.0 Vag diesel with a tune. Plenty of ceiling in a car powerwise. What you MAY find is more regular NOX regens, which I have noticed on my Yeti, a small burn about every 400 kms and a normal, longer DPF style burn every 800kms or so as normal with a newish DPF. Very hard to notice without aftermarket EGT gauges and Vag Com on the MK6 and above, very seamless to the driver ( unlike the MK V 125kw DPF engines! )

I've heard through the tuning grapevine that it was "one of the big yankie diesel engine manufacturers" that dobbed VW in for testing as they are making too many in-roads into the US market. Hilariously the backlash is now Dodge, Jeep etc that use VW engines in some of their cars can't get product now, so they are lobbying back. The X5 etc was included just to make it look "random" and "fair".

Who knows, but in the end, worry about it when it happens, you can always flash or add a piggyback to your updated diesel, and have far more power anyway. Oddly enough my Yeti normally runs 6-6.5/100 stock, and has been sitting on 5.6/100 with a piggy. I reckon my emissions overall are down, and by god the power is UP!

But yes, all that aside, VW have no concept of public relations, injector issues and DSG problems were similarly ignored way past their due date if you recall.

[Amalgam]

And the plot thickens

DIESELGATE: VW Australia suspends sales – Car Reviews, News & Advice - CarPoint Australia


“Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) met with the relevant government authorities yesterday to advise them of its strategy in Australia to address concerns that have been raised around the world regarding the diesel emissions issue.

“In its first step, effective immediately VGA has temporarily suspended the sale of affected vehicles fitted with 1.6 or 2.0-litre EA189 diesel engines. The suspension will remain until the emission issues are addressed in those vehicles.

“VGA will make further announcements next week.”

No word about Audi. Similar to the DSG recall. Keeping hush about their premium brand as not to tarnish it publicly and sending the owners a politely worded letter on the quite.

[Amalgam]

A video from BBC testing a Euro 5 Passat and Euro 6 Focus on the road. Both show a 4-5x increase in NOx levels as compared to 'Test Standards'. Not 40x and the testing techs suggest that this is normal for all cars, due to test vs real world conditions.

Two cars road tested - how clean are they? - BBC News

[bluey]

Weekend effect gives a preview of what lower diesel emissions might produce. Apparently, there is a hump to get through. Reducing NOX increases ozone and smog, then further reductions reduce ozone and smog again.
The Ozone Weekend Effect | Berkeley Engineering

[Frankenstrat]

I checked the engine code of my 2010 Golf 103TDI, it's CFFB. According to the Motoring section of today's Weekend West newspaper 03/10/2015 (ever reliable, no doubt) the 'cheat' software is installed on EA189 Euro5 diesel engines.

This link seems to show that mine is one of the guilty ones.

Shame on you VolksWagen, you've not only shot yourselves in both feet, but between the eyes as well.

[Umai Naa!!]

I don't think this emissiosn hiccup should have an effect on your ownership experience with the VW product.

A good car is a good car.

Besides, there are far more cars on the road pumping out excessive NOx emissions than the potentially 11 million cars VW has produced in the last few years.

And as Greg has expertly pointed out, there's more than enough scope in the engine mapping to reduce the emissions to an acceptable level, whilst maintaining the all-important power, torque and economy.

[Buzy_Robot]

I don't think this emissiosn hiccup should have an effect on your ownership experience with the VW product.

It will in terms of brand perception and resale value. If I were to go trade-in my B7 Passat other brands would milk the situation for all it's worth and give me an even lower trade-in value. I suspect trading in my B7 Passat for a B8 Passat might be a different story as VW would want to keep a return customer.

A good car is a good car.

Indeed! As per above I'm keen to move into a B8 Passat. Having said that, I would still want to check out the competition. Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty are fine cars in their own right and it'll be interesting to see how they stack up against the B8 Passat.

Besides, there are far more cars on the road pumping out excessive NOx emissions than the potentially 11 million cars VW has produced in the last few years.

Hell yeah! Volkswagen got caught out and they deserve to cop it on the chin, but I've no doubt there are shenanigans going on with other manufacturers we don't know about .... yet!!

And as Greg has expertly pointed out, there's more than enough scope in the engine mapping to reduce the emissions to an acceptable level, whilst maintaining the all-important power, torque and economy.

Nice, but will we experience increased full consumption? What about long-term durability of parts like the DPF that has to work longer and harder?