1.2m UK cars affected by VW emission scandal

Volkswagen have admitted to having 1,189,906 British vehicles fitted with illegal emissions devices, with Audis, Seats and Škodas all using the defeat software.

The misconduct means that more than one in 10 diesel cars on the country’s roads are affected. The UK cars affected include 508,276 Volkswagens, 393,450 Audis, 76,773 Seats, 131,569 Škodas and 79,838 Volkswagen commercial vehicles. The figures released are the first to identify and quantify which of the 11m vehicles affected are operating in the UK.

The revealed figures has prompted the UK the government to launch a full investigation. Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, said: “The government’s priority is to protect the public and I understand VW are contacting all UK customers affected. I have made clear to the managing director this needs to happen as soon as possible.

“The government expects VW to set out quickly the next steps it will take to correct the problem and support owners of these vehicles already purchased in the UK.”

Volkswagen Group UK has announced an action plan to modify affected vehicles. Customers whose cars have been fitted with EA 189 EU5 engines will be contacted about visiting a mechanic to have their cars refitted. Volkswagen has assured that newer vehicles fitted with EU6 engines, petrol models, as well as V6 TDI and V8 TDI models are unaffected by the scandal.

In the days approaching, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of affected cars will be released to retailers. In addition, a self-serve process will be available to allow customers to check independently if their vehicle needs to be refitted.

The VW action plan maintains it will present the technical solutions and measures to the relevant responsible authorities by October.

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