WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - Volkswagen AG (VKW.L, VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) received approval from U.S. and California environmental regulators for fixes to more than 38,000 diesel-powered vehicles rigged to dupe emissions tests, avoiding the prospect of a more expensive undertaking to repurchase them from aggrieved consumers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board approved the German auto giant's plan for the repairs to Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche sport-utility vehicles with 3-liter engines that will address illegal defeat-device software that allowed them to pass government emissions tests and then pollute far beyond legal limits on the road.
The approvals cover 2013-2016 Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne SUVs and 2013-2015 Audi Q7 SUVs. Some of the vehicles will receive updated software while others will also have their hardware modified, regulators said. Dealers will perform repairs free of charge.
'Volkswagen is pleased that it has received regulatory approval for an emissions compliant repair (ECR) to bring more than 38,000 Generation 2.1 and 2.2 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles in the United States into compliance with the emissions standards to which they were certified. Eligible customers will be notified that they can receive an ECR free of charge at their preferred dealership.' Volkswagen said.
Volkswagen noted that it is working closely with regulators to develop approved solutions for the remaining 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles as quickly as possible.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX