Audi facing more emissions accusations

The timing couldn’t be worse.

A day before its AGM, which brings shareholders together with company top brass, authorities in Germany have discovered more emissions "irregularities" in Audi vehicles that allegedly manipulate exhaust gas output.

It's not yet clear if the new emissions abnormalities that affect around 60,000 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles fitted with certain turbo-diesel V6 engines affect Australian customers.

Audi Australia released the following statement: "Our customers are our highest priority and Audi Australia is currently working with AUDI AG to understand whether any Australian vehicles are affected."

It then advises customers to call its Customer Experience Contact Centre (1800 502 834) for the "latest available information".

Audi chairman Rupert Stadler said the company has responded rapidly to the latest allegations "because full disclosure lies in our highest interest".

The issue was discovered by Germany's Motor Transport Authority or KBA, reports 

According to the publication, the KBA has not yet proclaimed the emissions aberrations are part of a 'defeat device' which has seen parent company Volkswagen Group fined more than $27billion and forced to buy back affected vehicles in some countries since the dieselgate scandal broke in late 2015.

In total around 11 million vehicles globally were affected by the dieselgate 'defeat device' which could fudge laboratory tests to pass emissions regulations, while in actual fact were emitting much higher levels of dangerous nitrogen oxides (NOx) when used by owners.

Some car makers are now distancing themselves from diesel engines, with the likes of Volvo and more recently Nissan saying they will ditch diesel technology in future.

Audi's latest alleged breach of emissions regulations revolves around the AdBlue system, which relies on a urea-based chemical to break down NOx into less harmful elements.

According to the KBA reports, the AdBlue system in certain (superseded) V6 turbo-diesel engines begins to dial back its injection levels when the exhaust gas cleaning solution runs low, with around 2400km worth of the solution left.

This has allegedly resulted in higher emissions in one vehicle tested by the KBA.

It's not clear why the AdBlue delivery system tapers off when it runs low, but according to a KBA spokesperson: "The KBA has opened an official hearing on the suspicion of an inadmissible defeat device for Audi V6 TDI vehicles of the A6 / A7 models."

Audi says it discovered the issue last week and went to the KBA not long after with the evidence. A representative for the German prestige car company told Der Spiegel: "We are working on a software update and are in close contact with the KBA".

A new Audi A6 is currently being launched to the media and is expected to go on sale in Australia later in 2018.