482,000 VW TDIs Produce 5 to 35Xs the NOx Beyond Federal Emissions Requirements

The Ontario settlement hearing took place yesterday, the judge felt that the settlement was not in the best interest of affected consumers and did not approve it. I will see if there is any new news a week from now, but I think it will be more like a 2-3 week wait before we hear much.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...l-nowhere-near-best-interests-of-owners-judge

While Justice Belobaba accepted that depreciation could be a valid factor in valuation, he stated that lawyers representing both VW and the vehicle owners need to demonstrate why it is fair and reasonable for the difference in payouts between purchase price and settlement compensation to be in the range of $10,000 or more. Because it’s a proposal already agreed upon by lawyers for both sides, both sides must prove to Justice Belobaba why the difference in payouts is fair and reasonable.

Lawyers on both sides committed to file the requested memorandum to Belobaba within a week. The hearing will reconvene after that.

 

The VW Canada settlement is approved. I don't see any changes from the proposed settlement from last month. More information is at https://www.vwcanadasettlement.ca/en/

Starting on April 28th, Canadian settlement class members and U.S. customers with affected 2.0L TDI vehicles that were first sold or leased in Canada may submit claims for benefits under the settlement by way of an online portal or a paper claim form (available on the settlement website or by calling the Canadian Settlement Claims Centre at 1-888-670-4773).

A Black Book vehicle value calculator is up at https://cbbestimator.vwcanadasettlement.ca/VW_WebServices/vw/index
Owner damages are at https://www.vwcanadasettlement.ca/w.../12/Schedule-D.doc-Owner-Damages-Payments.pdf

 

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Volkswagen Obtains Final Approval of 3.0L TDI V6 Settlement In the U.S.

VW AG and VW Group of America, Inc. (together, Volkswagen) announced today that Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California has granted final approval to the settlement agreement between Volkswagen and private plaintiffs represented by a Court-appointed Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) to resolve outstanding civil claims regarding approximately 78,000 affected 3.0L TDI V6 diesel engine vehicles in the United States.

Concurrently, Judge Breyer also approved a Consent Decree between Volkswagen and the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California by and through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Attorney General; and a Consent Order between Volkswagen and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. All three agreements were previously announced.

With final approval of the 3.0L TDI V6 settlement, Volkswagen is able to offer a resolution to all of its customers with eligible vehicles in the United States.

Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.:

The 3.0L TDI V6 Settlement Program

The implementation of the 3.0L TDI V6 settlement program will begin within 15 business days. Customers with eligible vehicles may submit claims via an online portal accessed through VW Court Settlement or by calling 1-844-98-CLAIM. Once a claim is approved, customers can schedule appointments with dedicated settlement specialists who have been assigned to dealership locations.

Under the 3.0L TDI V6 settlement program, Volkswagen has agreed, among other terms, to provide cash payments to all eligible members of the class, and take the following specific actions:

Recall and repair, free of charge to the customer, approximately 58,000 affected 2013-2016 Model Year Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles (so-called Generation 2 vehicles) to bring them into compliance with the emissions standards to which they were originally certified, if an appropriate Emissions Compliant Repair is approved by U.S. regulators.

Buy back or offer trade-in credit of equal value for, or terminate the leases of, approximately 20,000 eligible 2009-2012 Model Year Volkswagen and Audi 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles (so-called Generation 1 vehicles) or, if approved by U.S. regulators, modify the vehicles to substantially reduce their nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions so as to allow eligible owners and lessees to keep them.

Contribute $225 million to the environmental remediation trust that was established under Volkswagen’s 2.0L TDI settlements in the United States to fully mitigate the lifetime NOₓ emissions of the affected 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles.

As part of its agreement with the State of California, Volkswagen will also pay $25 million to CARB to support the use of zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) in the State.

Volkswagen has agreed to pay up to approximately $1.2 billion in benefits for the 3.0L TDI V6 settlement program, assuming 100% participation in the program, a 100% buyback of all eligible Generation 1 vehicles and availability of an Emissions Compliant Repair for Generation 2 vehicles. Volkswagen expects to be able to bring affected Generation 2 vehicles to the same emissions standards to which the vehicles were originally certified. If Volkswagen is unable to obtain a timely approved Emissions Compliant Repair for eligible Generation 2 vehicles, it will offer to buy back or provide trade-in credit of equal value for, or terminate the leases of, eligible Generation 2 vehicles and may also seek approval by U.S. regulators to offer customers a modification to substantially reduce their NOₓ emissions.

The settlement applies to all 3.0L TDI V6 diesel engine vehicles that Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche marketed or sold in the United States for Model Years 2009 through 2016. The vehicles are divided into two generations, as follows:

Generation 1 Vehicles

Volkswagen Touareg - 2009-2012
Audi Q7 - 2009-2012

Generation 2 Vehicles

Volkswagen Touareg - 2013-2016
Audi Q7 - 2013-2015
Audi A6, A7, A8, A8L, Q5 - 2014-2016
Porsche Cayenne Diesel - 2013-2016

 

Thursday May 18, 2017

Bosch obtains final approval of diesel vehicle settlement program in the U.S.

Bosch has obtained the final approval of a settlement agreement between the company and civil claimants in the U.S. The agreement resolves the most substantial part of the civil law proceedings pending against Bosch in connection with VW, Audi and Porsche turbo diesel vehicles that were sold in the U.S.

The settlement, which was announced by Bosch on 1 February 2017, was concluded with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”) on behalf of the class of current and former owners, lessees, and reseller dealers of the affected vehicles. It has been formally approved now by Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court of the Northern District of California, who concluded that it is fair, adequate, and reasonable to the class members.

The agreement finally settles the claims of consumers and dealers of used vehicles against Robert Bosch GmbH, its affiliates, employees, and directors. It covers VW and Audi diesel vehicles with 2.0L engines (model years 2009 – 2015) and VW, Audi, and Porsche diesel vehicles with 3.0L engines (model years 2009 – 2016). For this purpose, Bosch agreed to pay a total amount of USD $327.5 million, without acknowledgement of any fact as alleged by the plaintiffs or acceptance of any liability.

The settlement received overwhelming support from the plaintiffs. Of the approximately 589,000 class members, only 640 chose to exclude themselves from the settlement, and only four objected.

The settlement agreement concerns only civil law claims. As it has done since allegations have first been made public, Bosch will continue to defend its interests in all other civil and criminal law proceedings and to cooperate comprehensively with the investigating authorities in Germany and in other countries.

Class members may obtain further information from the website established for this purpose: Bosch VW Settlement

 

I turned in my Golf today, it was only a 10 minute process or so. I will miss the car, it was a good car aside from the emissions cheating. I had a few fun road trips, the car was dependable, and I always got good fuel economy no matter what the conditions (probably aided by the cheating). And with the buyback deal, it will probably have the lowest cost of ownership of any car I'll ever own.

 

Monday Oct 23, 2017

VW Gen 2.1 and 2.2 3.0L TDI Fix receives EPA/CARB Regulatory Approval

VW Statement Regarding 3.0L TDI Vehicles with Gem 2.1 and 2.2 Engines

Today Volkswagen 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 U.S. 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.

VW is working closely with our regulators to develop approved solutions for the remaining 3.0L TDI V6 vehicles ASAP.

EPA Confirmatory Letter: EPA Approved Emissions Modifications: Generations 2.1 SUV and 2.2 SUV of the 3.0L Subject Vehicles

 

Hi Radtech:

I am sorry but I do not have any idea. If I see something on one of the VW media sites, I will post it.

Wayne

 

Glad to hear that they figured something out for cars that weren't bought here. What are you considering for replacements?

 

Mine was around $26,500 plus tax. It's a Sport Touring with a manual transmission, and had around 16k km when I got it. It ended up being slightly cheaper than what new Sports were going for around here.

 

I actually went out to Calgary to get it lol, there wasn't much selection here for used Civic hatchbacks yet. I use regular most of the time, I did premium for a tank in summer but didn't notice a significant difference. I think I'll try again for a few tanks next summer to see how it affects the mileage and performance.

 

Hi All:

Porsche AG released a FAQ regarding the VW family of turbo diesels powering some of its German vehicles.

Porsche and Diesel -- Answers to all FAQs.

At the end of July last year, in Germany Porsche recalled the type Cayenne 3.0L V6 turbo diesel vehicle of the Euro 6 emission class. The background to this was that Porsche discovered irregularities in the engine control software, over the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The authority has ordered an adjustment by means of a software update within the scope of a recall. In the middle of October of 2017, the KBA has given its approval for the software update for vehicles of the type Cayenne 3.0L V6 turbo diesel vehicle of the Euro 6 emission class submitted by Porsche for review. Since that Porsche is bringing all affected vehicles in to garages to perform the software update, which is free of charge. In more specific terms, customers have been informed already by their Porsche dealer, and requested to co-operate with the plans by agreeing to an appointment at a garage. The software update will then take approximately one hour to complete there. Where required, the Porsche center will be happy to provide an appropriate form of transport as a replacement while the required work is being carried out.

The existing manufacturer specifications regarding fuel consumption, maximum engine performance, maximum torque and CO2 emissions have been confirmed by the KBA. The software update also has no negative impact on the durability of the engine or the exhaust treatment system.

What do I need to do, as a Cayenne 3.0L V6 turbo diesel owner, to get the free software update?

The plan is that Porsche dealers will get in touch with customers that are affected from calendar week 45 onwards in order to arrange an appointment. The software update will then take approximately one hour to complete and is, of course, free of charge for customers. Where required, the Porsche center will be happy to provide an appropriate form of transport as a replacement while the required work is being carried out.

Is the software update also available for other Porsche diesel models?

The only vehicles affected are Cayenne 3.0 litre V6 diesel vehicles of the Euro 6 emission. The software update was specially designed for these particular vehicles. The existing manufacturer specifications regarding fuel consumption, maximum engine performance, maximum torque and CO2 emissions have been confirmed by the KBA. The software update also has no negative impact on the durability of the engine or the exhaust treatment system.

What exactly is the recall ordered by the German KBA about? Which vehicles are affected and how many of them are affected?

At the end of July, in Germany Porsche recalled the type Cayenne 3.0L V6 turbo diesel vehicle of the Euro 6 emission class. The background to this was that Porsche discovered irregularities in the engine control software, over the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The authority has ordered an adjustment by means of a software update within the scope of a recall. Around 21,500 vehicles built in the years 2014–2017 are affected across Europe, 6,000 of which are in Germany. All affected vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy.

On Monday, 11 September 2017, Porsche submitted a proposed solution to the KBA, in order to ensure that all vehicles are fully in order, using a software update. The KBA’s approval for the new software now enables Porsche to begin with the recall program, which is free of charge for customers, and restores the affected vehicles’ compliance with the relevant rules and regulations.

What exactly is Porsche being accused of? What exactly does the KBA find objectionable? How was the situation identified?

Porsche discovered irregularities in these vehicles’ engine control software, in the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the KBA.

Does the software update have an impact on the vehicles’ consumption? What impact does the update have on consumption, warranty, durability, pollutant emissions etc.?

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has confirmed the existing manufacturer specifications regarding fuel consumption, maximum engine performance, maximum torque and CO2 emissions. The software update also has no negative impact on the durability of the engine or the exhaust treatment system.

The suitability and effectiveness of the software update has been comprehensively tested and confirmed by Porsche itself and also the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.

When will Porsche start implementing the software update? When will the update be available?

The approval for the new software now enables Porsche to begin with the software update program, which is free of charge for customers, and restores the affected vehicles’ compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. In more specific terms, customers affected have been informed already by their Porsche dealer, and requested to co-operate with the plans by agreeing to an appointment at a garage. The software update will then take approximately one hour to complete there. Where required, the Porsche center will be happy to provide an appropriate form of transport as a replacement while the required work is being carried out.

When will the customer receive official written notice of the availability of the software update? How long will the software update take?

Vehicle owners have been informed already by their Porsche dealer, and requested to co-operate with the plans by agreeing to an appointment at a garage. The software update will then take approximately one hour to complete there. Where required, the Porsche center will be happy to provide an appropriate form of transport as a replacement while the required work is being carried out.

Is the software update related to the allegations which “Der Spiegel” raised against Porsche in issue 24/2017 on the basis of its own emissions testing?

No, Porsche discovered irregularities in these vehicles’ engine control software, in the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the KBA. These irregularities are not related to the transmission control software.

Can customers refuse the update?

Where a recall campaign has been ordered by an official body, the performance of the software update is mandatory. If customers should opt against having the software update performed, they risk having the operating license revoked; Porsche and Porsche dealers have no control over this.

Is this software, as it is used in the Porsche Cayenne, also found in other vehicles which are part of the retrofit program? If so, does Porsche anticipate that the KBA will react in other cases as well?

For months, a large number of diesel variants in various models within the Volkswagen Group have been investigated with top priority for technical deficiencies and optimization potential. In close coordination with the KBA and the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Group has been systematically reviewing all engine and transmission variants and following up on all available indications.

What does the statement by Chairman of the Management Board, Oliver Blume, that “Porsche takes full responsibility” mean specifically?

Regardless of the fact that Porsche itself does not develop and produce diesel engines, as the vehicle manufacturer, Porsche bears responsibility towards its customers and, of course, towards the authorities for its products. For this reason, Porsche continues to be in close contact with the authorities, in particular with the KBA. Porsche is dedicated to fully meeting its customers’ expectations regarding quality, integrity, and service.

VW has announced changeover premiums for the Group’s brands. What is Porsche offering in this context?

Porsche is offering a premium for vehicle owners who switch from their car with a diesel engine of the emission class Euro 1 to Euro 4 to a new four-door Porsche vehicle. The price advantage is equivalent to a saving of 5,000 euros, combined with the final decommissioning of the existing diesel vehicle. This special deal is valid immediately throughout Europe and runs until 31 December 2017. With this initiative, Porsche is pointing the way towards renewing older vehicle inventories by modern and more environmentally friendly automobiles. For this reason, the offer is aimed at all drivers of diesel vehicles of the emission class Euro 1 to Euro 4, regardless of model and brand.