Government notes that 91,177 vehicles affected by emissions defeat devices have been sold by Audi and Volkswagen Australia

The Australian Government notes that today Audi Australia and Volkswagen Australia have issued public statements providing more information about the Australian impact of the global conduct of the Volkswagen Group in installing emissions defeat devices in certain diesel powered vehicles.

They have disclosed that a total of 91,177 vehicles sold in Australia (14,028 Audi; 54,745 VW passenger cars; 5,148 Skoda; 17,256 VW commercial vehicles) are affected.

Audi and Volkswagen have provided information about how Australian owners of Audi and VW vehicles can check if their vehicle is affected by the presence of an emissions defeat device, as well as provided a commitment that they will temporarily suspend the sale in Australia of certain new diesel powered vehicle models in their range until the emissions issues are addressed in those models. 

Audi and Volkswagen have advised owners that they do not need to take any further action immediately and the vehicles remain safe to drive; and the companies will provide further information about corrective actions in due course.

“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently investigating whether Volkswagen and Audi exposed consumers to false, misleading or deceptive representations,” said Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects Paul Fletcher.

“The Australian Government expects that Audi Australia and Volkswagen Australia will continue to work with it to ensure the public remains informed and appropriate steps are taken to rectify this issue.”

The presence of emissions defeat devices may be a breach of the Australian Design Rules under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. The Australian Design Rules are also covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL) as mandatory safety standards.

The Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects sits within the Infrastructure portfolio and has responsibility for motor vehicle issues.

Volkswagen and Audi owners with questions regarding their vehicles can refer to the Audi Australia or Volkswagen Australia websites or ring the helplines listed below:

VW Australia: www.volkswagen.com.au; www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au phone: 1800 607 822
Skoda: www.skoda.com.au phone: 1800 607 540
Audi Australia: www.audi.com.au phone: 1800 502 834