The Volkswagen Group has received approval from German regulators to recall Passat models fitted with the controversial 2,0-litre TDI EA 189 engines.
The powerplants in question, of course, are at the centre of the emissions-cheating scandal still engulfing the German automotive group. Last year, the group admitted that it rigged emissions tests using software installed in certain engines.
In a new statement, VW said that Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority had approved its “technical solutions for the Passat, CC and Eos models fitted 2,0L TDI EA 189 engines”.
More than 800 000 vehicles in Germany affected by the scandal are now to be recalled “as soon as possible”, the statement continued.
“The affected owners will receive letters from Volkswagen and can then arrange a service appointment with a Volkswagen partner workshop without delay,” said VW.
Following the action, Volkswagen says the cars will meet all legal requirements.
The regulator also “confirmed unequivocally that the technical solutions for these models will not result in any changes to the fuel consumption, performance or noise emissions of the vehicles concerned”.
Volkswagen added that German customers would not incur any costs related to the fix and would be offered alternative transport options.
In South Africa, the local arm of the German automaker has stated “no action [is] required on either the part of the customer or our dealers”, since the country still operates under Euro 2 emissions guidelines (so even the rigged engines meet local requirements).
