Dieselgate won't tarnish other German brands

BMW Group Australia's CEO, Marc Werner (pictured), says it's business as usual for the brand's diesel models as one of its rivals – Volkswagen-owned Audi – faces a less-than-rosy outlook over falsifying emissions readings in what has been called Dieselgate.

The BMW executive said it's unlikely the global scandal that has so far affected more than 11 million VW Group cars will negatively affect the reputation of diesel BMW cars.

"Personally I do not believe that it will present an issue," Werner told motoring.com.au at the BMW 3 Series national launch.

Despite being implicated by German car magazine Autobild as using 'defeat devices' to cheat emissions tests, resulting in a 10 per cent plunge in its share value, the company has denied any wrong-doing and Werner reiterated this.

"Concerning the current discussion I would like to officially refer to the statement that the BMW group released recently, that BMW Group does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests. And obviously we observe the legal requirements in each country, including Australia, and fulfil all local testing requirements," he said.

"In other words, our exhaust treatment systems are active, whether they are rolling or on the test bench, or driving on the road."

With blanket mainstream media coverage of the emissions cheating scandal, it's not inconceivable there will be a slide in diesel car sales – and it's clear the issue is not going to go away anytime soon, particularly as Volkswagen is yet to announce a 'fix' for vehicles affected.

Compound that with rumours of more, possibly two, European brands not within the VW Group implicated in similar emissions cheating behaviour emerging, it's clearly not something car makers are eager to talk about.

The BMW Australia CEO declined to comment when asked if other German or European diesel cars might be affected.

"I cannot and will not comment on other brands," he said.

Mercedes-Benz Australia's public relations and product communications manager, Jerry Stamoulis, told motoring.com.au that "Mercedes-Benz does not use and has never used defeat devices," and said the actions of the car companies are unlikely to have any effect its current success.

"Regardless of what happens with other car makers, we believe we have the right products and philosophies to continue the success we're currently experiencing in Australia," said Stamoulis.

Werner was confident that buyers won't abandon diesel models, which account for roughly one in five of all Beemers sold in this country. Diesel-powered BMW X5 and X3 SUVs are particularly strong in the diesel department, accounting for around 40 per cent of sales.

"If you look at our diesel share, we will obviously continue to invest into our diesel technology and as such we will continue to promote diesel technology in the Australian market," said Werner.