Today Audi announced which of its models feature the same cheating device used by Volkswagen to pass international diesel emissions standards. Included is none other than the 2010 Green Car of the Year, the Audi A3 TDI.
As reported earlier today, the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal includes about 2.1 million Audi models worldwide, with about 14,000 making it to America.
According to Audi of America, via Automotive News, about 11,600 of the affected models are 2010 to 2013 A3 TDIs which had the first-generation VW “clean diesel” engine.
The remaining vehicles, assumedly around 2,400 models, are current-generation 2015 model year A3 TDIs, which use urea injections to reduce emissions unlike the older diesel engines - though they are still noncompliant with EPA standards due to the cheating mechanism. There was no 2014 model year for the Audi A3 in America.
The 3.0 liter V6 diesel engine used on the A6, Q5, and Q7 models in the U.S. is not included in the scandal. Overseas models affected include the A4 and A6, and Q3 and Q5 crossovers, but diesel options of these vehicles were not sold stateside.
Audi of America said it is currently working on a plan to fix the affected models with the EPA and California Air Resources Board “as soon as possible” according to the report.
There is no official announcement of a recall for any vehicles affected by Dieselgate, but once a plan is established owners will be notified of what they need to do.
Volkswagen Group has been given until October 7th to present a plan of action by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, and it is reported by Reuters that they have established plans to begin fixing affected cars soon. If that works out, expect a similar plan from Audi to follow shortly after.
The sooner the better.