Close to 80,000 Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat vehicles are to be recalled in Ireland, as well as possibly 30,000 privately imported cars.
Some 79,348 cars on Irish roads — including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat vehicles — are to be recalled for testing by Volkswagen following the revelation that the cars’ computers contain software designed to help them cheat emissions tests.
The cars include 34,387 Volkswagen passenger cars, 8,107 Volkswagen commercial vehicles, 16,484 Audis and 16,004 Skodas that were sold through Volkswagen’s authorised dealer network.
A further 30,000 vehicles bought as used imports may also be affected.
Volkswagen recently admitted that software designed to cheat US emissions tests for nitrogen oxide was included in the engine management system of its EA 189 diesel engine that was in Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda vehicles sold between 2008 and 2014.
Around the world, some 11m cars are believed to be affected.
Rocky road ahead for Volkswagen
The scandal prompted the immediate resignation of ex-Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, who now faces a criminal investigation. Winterkorn was replaced as CEO of Volkswagen by former Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.
The recall will require engineers to work on the software in the cars and possibly the hardware in the EA 189 engines.
This will enable the engines to be recalibrated in order to burn fuel more efficiently and reduce the possibility of dangerous NOx toxins being released to the atmosphere.
Volkswagen Group Ireland said the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) details of affected vehicles will be released centrally from brands to retailers and an online self-service process will be created for vehicle owners to see if their car has been affected.
The automotive giant stressed that all vehicles affected are technically safe and roadworthy.
“Affected customers will be contacted, with details of a process to get their vehicles corrected in the near future,” Volkswagen stated.
Volkswagen image via Shutterstock
