Dieselgate: Aussie Volkswagens and Audis recalled

The Australian arms of Audi and Volkswagen have issued statements this morning, announcing voluntary recalls for diesel-powered models fitted with the EA189 engine in each respective range.

Both brands are contacting Australian owners affected by the controversy, which was first exposed by American environmental agencies and revolves around vehicles with 'device defeat' software configured to run the engine for lower emissions when the vehicle detected it was being tested.

In its statement, Audi stressed that vehicles affected were still safe to drive and that owners need take no action until a technical solution was ready to implement.

"We are committed to supporting our customers and ensuring all affected vehicles are rectified as soon as possible. In the meantime, affected vehicles remain safe to drive," said Audi Australia MD, Andrew Doyle, as quoted in the statement.

"Understandably, our customers are concerned, and we apologise for this. Our customers remain our highest priority and our goal is to act as quickly as we are able, once the solution is made available, to rectify vehicles and restore trust."

Audi advised in its statement that 16,085 vehicles are subject to the recall in Australia. Owners can check their vehicle against a VIN registry at the prestige importer's website audi.com.au or by calling 1800 50 2834.

Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi owners can similarly check their vehicles against VIN database at the websites, http://volkswagendieselinfo.com.au/, http://www.skoda.com.au/dieselinfo/pages/dieselinfo.aspx, http://www.audi.com.au/au/brand/en/owners/diesel-service-activity.html or they can phone the call centre on 1800 054 076. At last count, 61,189 Volkswagens are subject to the recall.

"I want to assure all customers that the affected cars are technically safe and the necessary measures will be undertaken at no cost to them," said John White, Volkswagen Australia's MD, as quoted in the statement.

"We will do everything we can to fix this problem and regain the trust of our customers."