KBA approves software solution for VW 2.0L EA 189 diesels; more than 800K units to be retrofitted
03 June 2016
Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has approved the technical solutions proposed by Volkswagen for the Volkswagen Passat, CC and Eos models with 2.0l TDI EA 189 engines. (Earlier post.)
More than 800,000 vehicles affected by the diesel compliance issue are now to be recalled as soon as possible. The affected owners will receive letters from Volkswagen and can then arrange a service appointment. This is a continuation of the retrofit campaign for affected vehicles started by Volkswagen early this year. (Earlier post.)
German customers will be informed in two stages. In the first stage, all of the affected owners have already received a letter agreed with the KBA, which informed them that their car is covered by the retrofit campaign. Now they will receive a second letter, asking them to make an appointment with an authorized Volkswagen partner of their choice.
In several stages, the owners of the affected Passat, CC and Eos models with 2.0l TDI engines with power outputs of 81 kW, 100 kW and 103 kW will also receive such a letter.
Following the retrofit, the cars will meet all legal requirements. The KBA has 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. The KBA had previously confirmed this for all of the other vehicles for which the recall has been approved to date.
Volkswagen is working to implement the technical solutions and will rectify all vehicles affected by the NOx issue. This will be done in close coordination with the responsible authorities. Volkswagen customers will not incur any costs as a result of the technical measures. In addition, all customers will be offered a suitable replacement mobility option free of charge as part of the recall process.
The launch of the recall campaign, which was initially planned for the second quarter of 2016 for affected cars with 1.2l TDI EA189 engines, will be delayed: Volkswagen expects to receive approval for the technical solutions for other high-volume models with the affected 2.0l TDI engines in the near future.
The vehicles affected are technically safe and roadworthy. They can be driven on roads without any limitations until the modifications are implemented. The implementation of the necessary technical measures is being carried out throughout Europe in accordance with a timetable and action plan coordinated with the KBA.
This is probably false that the car will retain the same fuel consumption, drivability and power and noise level. Listen, fuel consumption will increase and drivability will get worse.
Posted by: gorr | 03 June 2016 at 06:54 AM
@ gor: I don't know, there is an awful lot of scruitiny on VW and therefore on their claim of maintaining fuel efficiency. VW's reputation of integrity has taken enough of a beating already so I doubt they would make a false claim- even if they have handled parts of this scandal terribly.
Posted by: The Lurking Jerk | 05 June 2016 at 06:24 AM
A hand to VW if they can fix their high consumption (and GHG/pollution) problems with a software fix.
People who were taken for a ride during many years should be compensated for the extra fuel consumption.
Posted by: HarveyD | 06 June 2016 at 07:50 AM