Volkswagen Flags 430,000 New Cars for Implausible CO2 Figures
VW's internal probe cuts the number of affected 2016 models to 430,046 across its brands, as more petrol engines join the list of cars with questionable CO2 data.
Volkswagen has identified 430,046 new cars from its 2016 model year range with CO2 figures that it now considers implausible. This follows an internal investigation that initially put the number at 800,000 vehicles, but subsequent checks have narrowed the scope. The affected cars span the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands, with more petrol engines now included in the list.
The company’s earlier estimate, made public on 3 November 2015, referred to around 800,000 cars with possible irregularities in their CO2 certification. At that stage, only one petrol engine, the 1.4-litre TSI with cylinder-on-demand in the VW Polo, was named. VW’s latest findings add several more petrol units: the 1.0-litre TSI used in the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Leon; the 1.8-litre TFSI in the Leon SC and Sport Tourer; and the 2.0-litre TFSI found in the Golf and Passat. Diesel models remain under scrutiny, but the announcement focused on petrol engines.
Breakdown by brand and model
Of the 430,046 affected vehicles, Volkswagen accounts for 281,617 units. Skoda models make up 83,282, Seat 32,161, Audi 15,733 and VW Commercial Vehicles 17,253. The company has provided authorities and trading partners with a list of the specific models involved. The affected cars are all from the 2016 model year, and the issue covers both passenger and light commercial vehicles.
- VW: 281,617 vehicles
- Skoda: 83,282 vehicles
- Seat: 32,161 vehicles
- Audi: 15,733 vehicles
- VW Commercial Vehicles: 17,253 vehicles
Next steps for owners and regulators
Volkswagen says it is working with the German Federal Vehicle and Transport Authority (KBA) to reassess the CO2 figures under official supervision. Importers and dealers have been notified. Owners of affected vehicles are not required to take immediate action, but the company has indicated that it will update CO2 data as necessary once the reassessment is complete.
The company’s announcement comes as it continues to address wider emissions issues, including diesel engine software irregularities. The latest development affects petrol engines as well as diesels, broadening the scope of the group’s emissions review. Volkswagen has said it will keep authorities updated as the process continues.
Further details on the specific models and engines involved, as well as updates on regulatory decisions, are expected as the reassessment progresses.
