Porsche recalling diesel Macan and Cayenne in Europe

Porsche has announced it will recall nearly 60,000 units of the Macan and Cayenne SUVs in Europe – at the insistence of Germany's automotive regulatory body, the KBA – as penance for the brand's involvement in the 'Dieselgate' scandal.

According to

Auditors for the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany had found five 'defeat devices' in the Macan's engine-management system software. As reported previously, the defeat device runs the engine in a low-emissions (nitrogen-oxide emissions) mode if it detects the vehicle is being tested in a laboratory, but not in a real-world driving scenario. The software cheat, developed within Volkswagen for use in its own models, plus those of Audi, Skoda and Porsche, has been the basis for the 'Dieselgate' scandal. Porsche sources the diesel engines for its SUVs from Audi.

Der Spiegel also reports that the KBA has threatened to withdraw registration of Porsche Macan and Cayenne diesel models unless the manufacturer can prove that the engines now run without the defeat devices installed and comply with the relevant emissions regulations.

To date, Porsche is yet to recall Macan and Cayenne diesels in Australia. Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has issued a statement in regard to the matter, as follows:

"We are working with our Porsche AG colleagues to ascertain whether any Australian delivered vehicles may be affected."

Australian motor vehicles are currently required to comply with Australian Design Rule 79/04, which equates to the European emissions standard Euro 5. Euro 6 has applied to vehicles like the Macan and Cayenne in Europe since 2014. Under Euro 5, diesel-engined vehicles are permitted to expel no more than 0.180g/km of nitrogen oxides. Euro 6 is even more stringent, allowing just 0.080g/km.

Hence PCA's uncertainty. Macans and Cayennes sold in Australia may comply with ADR 79/04 (Euro 5), even with the defeat device software installed.