Volkswagen under investigation over illegal software that masks pollution

[Eaglen00b]

That's what they are saying, but in theory wouldn't you think it would be any TDI that doesn't have diesel exhaust treatment?

Makes perfect sense that the scrutiny would eventually shift to ALL VW diesel engine variants and possibly to ALL German diesels.

*START RANT*
However, I did not purchase a VW because of its green credentials. Far from it. I bought a VW because it's a nice car. It looks good, is a very comfortable cruiser and gets great mileage. I can get up to 1,250km out of a 65L tank of diesel without even trying too hard. What's not to like???

I could not give a rat's whether or not the (supposedly) massive volume of poisonous emissions from every litre of diesel I burn is turning a patch of the Amazon into wasteland, causing whales to beach themselves or even asphyxiating Baz the houso on Bludger St. Oh PULEEZE!

I'm stoked with my car's performance. I don't care what it's belching out behind me on the road.
*END RANT*

I smell potential class actions in various regions of the world if VW's fix adversely affects the performance, economy and maintenance costs of the suspect diesel powered vehicles.

I would probably sign up to the lawsuit if things go that way.

[Eaglehawk]

What he said.

[kamold]

I wonder if the 'defeat device' is disabled by the aftermarket ECU tuners when they build their tune files?

[Eaglehawk]

Irony abounds. VW saying for years that tuning would void your warranty...and behind our backs...

[theresanothersteve]

The 'fix' would either have to enable 'bench emissions test mode' permanently, which would presumably negatively affect performance and economy, or a hardware fix that enables the engines to pass the N0x test with the cheat mode disabled permanently.

That's the way I see it.

And, given my druthers, I'd prefer to retain performance thank you.

You also asked about performance chippers. I wonder if that's how this came about? How did the EPA in the US twig there was a stealth testing mode? Did someone notice something?

Come to that, is there a stealth IDKFA mode (showing my age now) I can engage?

[Eaglehawk]

Come to that, is there a stealth IDKFA mode (showing my age now) I can engage?

Gear up, gear down, left indicate, right indicate, accelerator and brake at the same time.

[dero]

Gear up, gear down, left indicate, right indicate, accelerator and brake at the same time.

Is this similar to the old Namco up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, A, B, A, B cheat code?

The read I have on this is if they recall the engines and permanently restrict them to make the engines fall into the emissions test, the economy and power of the engines are crappified. Result would be owners have a right to complain and it being the US, class action for being sold a product not to specifications.

Alternative is to get in and resubmit the engines for emissions test, fail the test against the standards set and the cars then don't fall into the categories which enables them to have tax breaks and other discounts as a part of the sale. VW would have to pony up the dollars to have them fall into their new categories to the Government.

Irrespective, they'll be facing the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency and any other State or Government action that is coming in for fudging their results.

[kamold]

You also asked about performance chippers. I wonder if that's how this came about? How did the EPA in the US twig there was a stealth testing mode? Did someone notice something?

They got found out, ironically, because an NGO was trying to prove that VW diesels were in fact clean...
Their results didn't match the controlled results which had been submitted for conformity in the US, so they went to the California Fluffy Seals Board and the EPA to get clarification. They tested 2 VWs (golf and Passat I think) and an X5 (with Adblue) and only the X5 results were consistent when tested on road as on a rolling road lab test.

They sought clarification from VW who fobbed them off repeatedly (this has been going on since Dec last year) and eventually they had to admit that their ****s were indeed in the wind, and it wasn't because of a faulty anemometer...

[Ryeman]

Holy crap batman!

Just read that they've pulled all diesel models from sale in the US as a result of this.

I've got a diesel Tiguan being built in the plant right now for delivery in November - hope it doesn't get caught up in the fallout from all this!

I suspect there is going to be bad news for you too.
As VW are laying aside the equivalent of $US14,600 PER VEHICLE for just their market and the world wide number is admitted to be 11 MILLION
I would suggest you have the upper hand and if I were you I'd be letting the dealer know (firmly) that you might be forced to reconsider.
Its your choice and knowing the situation BUT still going ahead with the purchase MIGHT disadvantage you 'down the road' to some extent.

id be surprised if VW are still selling ANY 4 cylinder diesels anywhere in the world right now.

[wai]

This is quite disappointing to read .. big company white collar crime ..

I too would like to see what happens in Oz.

This is what happens when you set the result and end up with a fiddle to achieve it when it was not really achievable.

[Ryeman]

I'm not talking about achieving the same specs in the brochure. I'm talking about the fix actually hobbling other aspects of the engine that will in fact not match what the current output of the engine is currently achieving. (Whether it is power output, fuel economy, or torque curve...)

It appears their (VW's) parsimonious use of AdBlue was only because it was to make the detected 'test cycle' clean.
Now they are suggesting more will be needed for the whole time to fix the emissions problem.....that would require a v large tank AND to be filled regularly......
Think second hand values for a start......!!!

[wai]

I seem to recall in Europe there is a requirement to "Add Blue"
I assume This requires a separate tank for this additive?
Plus the added problem where to obtain this wonderful fluid!
After all, this problem affects All small diesels. Not just VW
But in America the requirement to top up with a special additive would cause a
tremendous logistical problem regarding supply.

The thing is that VW decided that it was going to differentiate itself from the likes of Mercedes Benz and BMW, both of which are only able to achieve it by using AdBlue also referred to as DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid). They couldn't achieve the emissions targets AND provide good performance and fuel economy. So, they decided to go down this path, which was extremely foolish.

The AdBlue is injected into a catalytic converter where the urea in the presence of a catalyst sees the NOx split into Nitrogen and Oxygen. Yes, it is a hassle, but it is what it is and if you want to play in that sand pit, it means you have to do it.

[Ryeman]

According to the report if its a storm in a tea cup I would imagine the reported possible US $18 Billion fine would smart along with the repairs as well . But like Umai I am staying with the brand even if sometimes it is like a messy divorce , lots of money being spent along with the heartache .

$US7.3 BILLION to fix just half a million U.S. registered cars = $US14,600 per car if my maths are right.
11 MILLION affected cars world wide admitted by VW management.
BIG ISSUE
BIG COST

[Ryeman]

Hopefully this is sorted out soon and isolated to the United States and not a global issue for Volkswagen:

US accuses Volkswagen of illegal pollution


Volkswagen under investigation over illegal software that masks pollution | Business | The Guardian


EPA: Volkswagen used ‘defeat device’ to illegally skirt air-pollution controls - The Washington Post


Feds allege widespread Volkswagen cheating on clean-air rules


Volkswagen, Audi admit to cheating pollution tests in the US

VW admit 11 MILLION cars world wide need to be fixed.

[theresanothersteve]

$US7.3 BILLION to fix just half a million U.S. registered cars = $US14,600 per car if my maths are right.
11 MILLION affected cars world wide admitted by VW management.
BIG ISSUE
BIG COST

From what I've read today your figure (USD14,600) is the amount VAG can be fined per vehicle, nothing to do with rectification costs...