U.S. regulators alleged that certain Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen cars and SUVs from model years 2014 through 2016 employ a defeat device not disclosed during the EPA emissions certification process. The 2014 and 2015 models in question represent a total volume of roughly 10,000 vehicles. The sedans in question include the Audi A7, A6 quattro, A8 and A8L. SUVs include the Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q5.
Volkswagen representatives told Reuters Thursday that the same software is present in European models, but that the company did not believe the programming affected emissions production “in a forbidden way,” which explains why VW was so quick to deny the initial allegations on Monday.
Despite challenging the government’s stance, the company ordered its dealer network to stop selling the V6 TDI-powered Audi A7, A6 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5, along with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne on Wednesday, releasing a statement that said, “Volkswagen Group of America is working with regulators and will take all steps necessary to remedy any issues, including a potential emissions recall.”
Those representatives would not specify the number of vehicles in Europe that this may apply to, nor would they rule out the possibility that the initial scope of the EPA and CARB investigation in the U.S. (10,000) was broad enough to encompass all models sold with this device, meaning it is possible that additional vehicles and model years were programmed the same way.
Volkswagen is also facing the possibility of emissions concerns expanding to vehicles not powered by its TDI lineup of diesel engines. The company’s comments that “the majority of the vehicles concerned have diesel engines” stirred concerns regarding gasoline-powered offerings, and figures as high as 800,000 have been cited as potentially impacted.
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