Volkswagen under investigation over illegal software that masks pollution

[Eaglen00b]

Considering most 3.0 litre tradie utes like the D-Max have only recently gotten DPF's and proper NOX cats, not sure why you feel bad. For sure VW is putting out higher than expected, but how high compared to the typical Australian diesel?

Heh... I was behind an old Hilux Surf early this morning as I got on the freeway. The Surf was rolling coal from around 45kph on the on ramp for a good 2-300m to get up to 100kmh. DAYUMMMMMMn.

[Greg Roles]

Heh... I was behind an old Hilux Surf early this morning as I got on the freeway. The Surf was rolling coal from around 45kph on the on ramp for a good 2-300m to get up to 100kmh. DAYUMMMMMMn.

Oddly enough, as much as we all hate seeing and breathing that obvious black soot, the fact is you just cough that back up. It's the nano soot from DPF's that is starting to show up in peoples bloodstreams, seems it is directly absorbed via the lungs. Only with further added catalyst do you burn that down to virtually zero, luckily on smaller diesels the levels are low. There is no free lunch with regard to emissions.

Different story with NOx, the whole crux of this debate, but oddly enough that's far easier to handle, at least in my sports DPF testing. I do however have a much bigger initial NOx cat than the MK6 era diesels, only in the MK7 do VAG get serious with the NOx cat size. It does seem odd to me they had so much trouble with what is from an initial glance, a very very well designed system. Then again I'm not trying to meet the very latest Euro levels set in the USA, and each level is an order of magnitude harder to meet.

[Ryeman]

Just received an update on the Diesel software cheat and VW are now claiming they have a solution ,that will not effect engine output or fuel economy whats your thoughts

I'd be saying to them - show me the before and after torque and power curves, before you have anything done to it.

[Cossor]

Just found this link on an older Passat posting.
This explains in detail how exhaust filter works.

http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_336.pdf

OK This is for older TDI systems, with common rail just coming in.
It does however explain how complex this whole system is, and why no simple solution.

[twincab]

Received an e-mail from Skoda Aus. stating that our '14 125kw Superb 4x4 is fitted with the EA189 engine and has the offending software. No surprise, will have to wait till the smoke clears.

Well the class action deadline has passed and we didn't sign up. Went on the MB web site to sign up, filled in all the imformation, got to the page with the aggreement/contract After wading though it and not understanding most of it got cold feet and backed out. I know it's not supposed to cost anything but we don't have a legal background and all the bits about uplift fees and everything else was doing our head in.
Have we done ourselves out of compensation, probably.

[Guest001]

Well the class action deadline has passed and we didn't sign up. Went on the MB web site to sign up, filled in all the imformation, got to the page with the aggreement/contract After wading though it and not understanding most of it got cold feet and backed out. I know it's not supposed to cost anything but we don't have a legal background and all the bits about uplift fees and everything else was doing our head in.
Have we done ourselves out of compensation, probably.

Probably not as you will see if you read the FAQ what you get may be different to those of us who did sign up.

If you read all of it and this thread you would have seen that IT WOULDNT COST YOU ANYTHING IF they win they get paid IF THEY LOSE THEY DONT THEY take the risk but as they say VW has admitted liability so its not IF its HOW MUCH we will get paid

Their cut is a bit over 10% plus 25% of that for the uplift fees. They expect to outlay $5,000,000 or more to fight it so must have a reasonable expectation of winning.

[Ralfi]

VW response to customers...

Just received the following email from VW..........

I am writing today about your Volkswagens.

As one of our valued customers, I am pleased to inform you that your vehicles are unaffected by the diesel emissions recall. I am writing to provide you with some further clarity around the recent emissions news that has affected some Volkswagen models.

I apologise for any concern that this news may have caused you.

We have been working with our headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, to define the extent of the problem for Australian vehicles and the development of a solution. Our parent company, Volkswagen AG, has now engineered a fix for the affected diesel vehicles, the objective is to have no adverse effects on engine output or fuel economy.

So that they are fully informed we have contacted all affected customers to advise on next steps, with the rectification process expected to roll out early next year.

Should it interest you, an overview of the technical solution can be viewed on our global YouTube channel. The remedy for the majority of affected vehicles is an update to the vehicle software. This update will be relatively quick and has been made possible with advances in diesel engine management technology.

You may have also read articles concerning CO2 emission levels on some of our petrol vehicles. I can confirm no Australian vehicles are impacted by any CO2 matters.

If you have any questions or would like further information please visit our dedicated website at www.volkswagendieselinfo.com.au.

Having your trust in Volkswagen is a great privilege and we are working hard to earn it back.

Yours Sincerely,

Michael Bartsch
Managing Director
Volkswagen Group Australia



Your unaffected Volkswagens:

[hoi polloi]

Just received the following email from VW..........

I've received exactly the same e-mail.

Thing is I have a diesel Golf that was previously listed as being affected and received previous letters from VW stating this.

Wish I knew what was going on!!

- Anthony

p.s. When I go to the website and input the cars VIN it still says it's affected...!!!

[Ralfi]

I've received exactly the same e-mail.

Thing is I have a diesel Golf that was previously listed as being affected and received previous letters from VW stating this.

Wish I knew what was going on!!

- Anthony

p.s. When I go to the website and input the cars VIN it still says it's affected...!!!

What a joke. I'd get in contact with them ASAP (ask to speak to your dealers manager) & hope they know what they're talking about...

[ZinbAd]

I got the same and mine's not a diesel... I think a generic email has been sent out.. Not sure how they filtered the email addresses..

[putney40]

Snap - yet another email

I got the same and mine's not a diesel... I think a generic email has been sent out.. Not sure how they filtered the email addresses..

Funny I received the same email for my non-existent Jetta...doh!

Instead I look forward to having my two affected real Skoda's being recalled - not.

[wai]

There was a news item the other day on the ABC where VW now appear to be backing away from their "admission" and are now prepared to take the stance that it is not a cheat or defeat device, just different mapping.

[theresanothersteve]

Actually a lot of people don't like anyone talking about this, especially media and lawyers. Have a read.
Media Watch: The ad no one wanted (23/11/2015)
Now not for one minute would I claim vw threatened to remove their advertising from these networks, honestly, I believe it was simply that those network radio stations didn't want the extra income.

I doubt VW had a say in it. The radio stations would have realised running advertising for a class action, which many people oppose on principle, would be minimal short term gain that could potentially cost them a large advertising contract.

Class actions are seen in the same light as ambulance chasing, and a lot of people think the only real winners in a class action are the lawyers. Not the ideal image for some media.

[nat225]

class action in the first place is a business for the lawyers. they are there explore money making opportunities. after all they are NOT charities..

[hoi polloi]

What a joke. I'd get in contact with them ASAP

Just to clarify. I received another e-mail from VW apologising and saying the first was sent in error. My car is indeed among those affected.

- Anthony