Volkswagen gets nod for modifying models with 1.2-litre EA189 TDI engine

As part of the ongoing exercises being undertaken to rectify the software glitches that Volkswagen had knowingly done to their diesel car engines, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany has approved the technical solutions for vehicles with the 1.2-litre EA189 TDI engine. The KBA approval applies to 460,000 vehicles of affected Group brands, including the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza models. The software update can now be promptly carried out on the first vehicles of the second affected engine-size category. The owners of these models are being successively informed and can then make an early appointment with an authorised workshop to have the update done.

In Germany customers are being informed in a two-stage process. In stage one, all of the owners concerned have already been notified through a letter agreed with the KBA that their vehicle is affected by the modification programme. In a second letter, customers then get asked to make an appointment with a partner business of their choice. Being sent in several tranches, this letter is now also going to owners of the aforementioned models with 1.2-litre TDI engines, said a prss statement from Volkswagen.

The modification for vehicles with affected 2.0-litre TDI engines began back at the start of the year. This is now being followed by the implementation of the technical solution for vehicles with the smallest cubic capacity version of the affected EA189 engine type. Technical solutions are thus now available for affected models with 2.0-litre TDI and 1.2-litre TDI engines.

Following the modification the vehicles fulfil all statutory requirements. The KBA has also confirmed without any restrictions that the technical solutions for these models cause no changes to fuel consumption levels, performance data or noise emissions. The KBA had previously already affirmed this for all other vehicles approved to date for the recall.

Volkswagen is continuing to put every effort into implementing the technical solutions and will correct all vehicles affected by the NOx issue. This is being done in close consultation with the relevant authorities. The customers will incur no costs as a result of the technical measures being carried out. As part of the recall process all customers are also being offered an appropriate replacement means of transport free of charge.

The affected vehicles are technically safe and fit to drive. Between now and their modification, they can continue to be used on the road without any restrictions. The required technical solutions are being implemented across Europe based on a schedule and action plan agreed with the KBA, the press statement noted.

Source: Volkswagen