The program, which debuted on Monday, covers only Volkswagen vehicles from the 2009-’15 model years that contain so-called “defeat devices” or illegal software created to skirt us clean-air standards.
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Kiwi vehicle owners caught in Volkswagen’s global emissions scandal are ramping up pressure for compensation after their American counterparts were offered a $1500-plus sweetener. The Environmental Protection Agency included cars with this V6 engine among those that come with emissions-cheating software, but VW has denied editing emissions figures for cars powered by the V6 diesel.
Calling it a “goodwill package”, VW hopes this is the first step in regaining the trust of its customers.
The automaker said eligible USA owners of almost 500,000 VW and Audi models equipped with 2.0 liter TDI diesel engines can apply to receive a $500 prepaid Visa card and a $500 dealership card, as well as three years of free roadside assistance services.
VW has urged staff to provide information on the introduction of its emissions-cheating software – promising they will not be sacked.
But we do know the KBA is including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Peugeot, as well as Audi, VW, Porsche, and other brands in the far-reaching probe.
Volkswagen just announced the release of the Goodwill Package. However, Volkswagen says accepting the financial offer will not waive the right to sue the automaker.
Last week it admitted that it also it understated the fuel mileage and carbon dioxide emissions for another group of diesel cars, which it said would cost about it another $2.2 billion.
Germany’s Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said in a newspaper interview over the weekend that diesel vehicles, including those from foreign manufacturers, would be subjected to strict checks.
It found that affected diesel cars are spending an average 123 days on dealer lots, compared to 97 days for Volkswagen models not affected by the scandal.
According to the news organization, a source close to the investigation claims Volkswagen is looking at around forty employees potentially involved.
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The KBA, which monitors the work of test centres in Europe’s biggest auto market, has been re-evaluating vehicles’ emissions since the end of September in laboratory conditions and on the road.
