VW Diesel Emissions News by AP Autocare
You may have read in the news lately that there is a bit of a black cloud over VW cars and the diesel emissions test. Do Bristol VW car owners have anything to be concerned about? We investigate the facts.
VW Diesel Emissions – what are VW accused of?
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has accused Volkswagon of ‘altering’ their TDI diesel cars engine management system so the cars tested at a lower emission rate than was actually being produced when driven. The models effected are the the Audi A3 and the VW Jetta, VW Beetle, VW Golf and VW Passat models.
VW Diesel Emissions – How have VW responded?
VW have been very clear that they are at fault and have admitted that their company has “not been honest” and have further admitted the accusations are true.
VW Diesel Emissions – The full facts
Although the headlines are suggesting that 11 million cars worldwide, including in the UK, are affected. This may be slightly mis-leading. The EPA found a device, they are labelling the “defeat device”, the device that allowed VW cars to emit less emissions during tests than they would while driving normally. This was found on cars manfactured in the United States. VW, for their part, have admitted this. There has been no suggestion that cars in the rest of the world have been ‘altered’. Authroities in many countries have indictated that they will investigate cars manufactured in their country, which would equate to the 11M cars being reported as “affected”.
In mid-September 2015, VW have announced that they have set aside £4.7 Billion pounds to cover the recall of the effected vehicles, which is estmated to be the nearly half a million cars sold in the US since 2008. Also within that budget is an undisclosed amount for public relations relating to the situation.
VW Diesel Emissions – Are UK cars affected?
All tests, including the ’emissions test’ are strictly monitored in the UK. Tests are performed in strict conditions and witnessed by a government-appointed independent approval agency and are therfore , according to Mike Hawes, who is chief executive of the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a “fundamentally different system” from the US system.
He is further reported to have commented, “There is no evidence that manufacturers cheat the cycle”. “Vehicles are removed from the production line randomly and must be standard production models, certified by the relevant authority – the UK body being the Vehicle Certification Agency, which is responsible to the Department for Transport.” However, Mr Hawes admitted that the current tests are “outdated” and said the car industry has been calling for an updated emissions test that is “more representative of on-road conditions”.
All current information would leave us to believe that this is an issue relating to cars manufactured in the US, and does not affect vehicles sold or likely to be driven in the UK. It is also worth noting that the allegations are of “cheating a test” and the software does not effect engine performance on the road or safety systems such as brakes, suspension or steering. Until there is any evidence to the contrary, you can drive your UK VW without any worries.
AP Autocare are Bristol VW specialists in the servicing and maintenance of Volkswagon cars. For a service or repair on your VW car please telephone 0117 963 8916 or book online here.