VW targets late October for 3.0-litre TDI emissions fix deal
Volkswagen aims to agree a US-approved repair for 3.0-litre diesel engines by late October, potentially affecting around 85,000 Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles.
Volkswagen expects to present a final repair plan for its 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engines to US regulators by late October, with a settlement possible as soon as the end of the month. The company’s efforts follow the fallout from the Dieselgate scandal and affect roughly 85,000 vehicles across the Audi, Porsche and VW brands.
Dietmar Voggenreiter, Audi’s global head of sales and marketing, said the group was only weeks away from a possible agreement with US authorities. The fix is needed after US regulators found emissions defeat devices in VW’s 2.0-litre diesels and subsequently began scrutinising the 3.0-litre V6 engines used in more expensive models.
A previous technical solution submitted by VW for the 3.0-litre engine was rejected by the Environmental Protection Agency, which described it as incomplete and deficient. If the new proposal fails to satisfy US regulators, the EPA could force VW to buy back affected vehicles, a move that would add billions to the group’s Dieselgate bill.
Which models are affected?
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine is found in a range of luxury SUVs and saloons from the VW Group’s premium brands. The affected models include the Porsche Cayenne, Audi A6, A7, A8 L, Q5, Q7, and Volkswagen Touareg. All are fitted with the emissions control software at the centre of the US investigation.
- Porsche Cayenne
- Audi A6, A7, A8 L, Q5, Q7
- Volkswagen Touareg
Legal and financial risks for VW
VW faces pressure on several fronts. If the EPA remains unsatisfied, a forced buy-back could mirror the costly programme already agreed for 2.0-litre TDI models. Meanwhile, some owners have launched class-action lawsuits, raising the risk of further payouts regardless of the regulatory outcome.
