Statement and Q&A from Volkswagen in Reference to TDI Emissions

Sep 24, 2015

Statement from Volkswagen Group of America

On September 18, 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Volkswagen AG and Audi AG received notice from the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board of an investigation related to certain emissions compliance matters.

As environmental protection and sustainability are among Volkswagen’s strategic corporate objectives, the company takes this matter very serious and is cooperating with the investigation.

Volkswagen is committed to fixing this issue as soon as possible. Volkswagen wants to assure customers and owners of the effected TDI models that their automobiles are safe to drive, and Volkswagen Group of America is working to develop a remedy that meets emissions standards and satisfies the loyal and valued customers of the Volkswagen brand. Owners of these vehicles do not need to take any action at this time.

FAQ

What is VWoA doing to resolve and address this topic?

VWoA is taking this situation very seriously. VWoA will cooperate fully with the responsible agencies and has also ordered an external investigation of this matter.

Additionally, VWoA is preparing a remedy that will reduce emissions from their vehicles. Once that remedy is ready consumers will be notified.

Does this affect all VWoA TDI vehicles?

The vehicles named in the investigation include:

VW Jetta (Model Years 2009-2015)
VW Jetta Sportwagen (Model Years 2009-2014)
VW Golf (Model Years 2010-2015)
VW GOlf Sportwagen (Model Year 2015)
VW Beetle and VW Beetle Convertible (Model Years 2012-2015)
VW Passat (Model Years 2012-2015)

Is my vehicle safe to drive?

Yes, these vehicles are safe to drive. The topic under investigation is not safety related, but specific to the emissions output of the vehicle. When a repair is available consumers will be notified. Consumers do not need to do anything at this time.

Can VWoA repair my vehicle today?

Reducing the emissions from the vehicles is a top priority for VWoA, but they do not have a specific remedy to reduce those emissions ready yet. Please know the vehicles are safe to drive. The topic under investigation is not safety related, but specific to the emissions output of the vehicles named. When a remedy to reduce emissions is in place, VWoA will notify these owners. There are no necessary actions for the consumer at this time.

How long until a repair is available?

VWoA is working to develop a remedy and will notify the consumer when it is available. A specific time frame is not yet available.

I want to turn in my vehicle because I am concerned about the pollution it is causing.

VWoA is working with the EPA [CARB, if customer is in California] to determine what steps need to be taken to change the emissions control system on the vehicle. EPA has stated that vehicle owners do not need to take any action at this time. EPA has also said that these vehicles are legal to drive and resell.

I don’t want to drive my vehicle anymore because it is harming my health.

EPA has stated that these vehicles do not present a safety hazard.

Reference – EPA Statement: “Car owners should know that although these vehicles have emissions exceeding the standards, these violations do not present a safety hazard and the cars remain legal to drive and resell. Owners of cars of these models and years do not need to take any action at this time.”

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