Volkswagen Nears Emissions Fix for 3.0-Litre Diesel Models
VW is finalising a technical solution for 85,000 US vehicles with 3.0-litre diesel engines, including premium Audi and Porsche models, following earlier settlements for smaller engines.
Volkswagen is in the final stages of developing a technical fix for around 85,000 US vehicles fitted with its 3.0-litre diesel V6 engine, according to sources close to the process. The models affected include premium SUVs and saloons from Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche, all equipped with emissions-control software that US regulators say failed to comply with standards.
The 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine was used across several high-end Volkswagen Group models, including the 2009-2016 VW Touareg, 2013-2016 Porsche Cayenne, and a range of Audi vehicles such as the A6, A7, A8, A8L, Q5 and Q7. US authorities have required Volkswagen to submit a technical solution after the company admitted in late 2015 that these engines were also fitted with emissions-cheating software, alongside the already notorious 2.0-litre diesel units.
Regulatory pressure and deadlines
The California Air Resources Board and the US Environmental Protection Agency have pressed Volkswagen for a viable fix for the larger engines after the company reached a provisional agreement on the smaller 2.0-litre diesels. The 3.0-litre models were not included in the initial settlement, which covered around 480,000 vehicles. Regulators set a 21 June deadline for Volkswagen to finalise the technical solution for the 3.0-litre engines.
Customers with affected vehicles are expected to be offered a choice similar to that for the 2.0-litre cars: a technical fix, a buyback, or the option to terminate a lease. The final terms for 3.0-litre owners will depend on regulatory approval of Volkswagen’s proposed solution.
Next steps for Volkswagen and owners
Volkswagen’s progress on the 3.0-litre fix follows its earlier agreement to a $15.7 billion settlement for the 2.0-litre diesel cars. The company faces continued scrutiny as it works to resolve the remaining regulatory issues. Owners of the affected larger-engine vehicles have awaited clarity since the cheating software was disclosed, with many models remaining in limbo until a fix is approved.
For background on Volkswagen’s approach to diesel fixes across its engine range, seeVW submits fix for 1.6-litre diesel emissions engines.
