Audi Sticks With Diesel While Rest of VW Drives Hard for Electrics

Swimming against the current, Audi is doubling down on diesel power, even as its parent, Volkswagen, is drawing away and betting heavily on electrics. The VW subsidiary Friday launched a recall of nearly 1 million diesel vehicles to update the software that controls emissions.

According to a statement from the automaker, Porsche and Volkswagen vehicles using the same six- and eight-cylinder powerplants will have the chance to take part in the update, as well. Vehicles using Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel engines are affected by the recall. The government and car industry agreed to what amounts to a diesel rescue plan that begins in August.

Upgrade Program Costs About 100 euros per car, About $115

The per-car cost for the updates is abut 100 euros per car or about $115. The auto industry has agreed to take care of the updates as all automakers making diesel have been invited to participate in the upgrade.

Diesel powerplants are more efficient than gasoline engines. Because they are more efficient than gasoline engines, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted is less than their counterparts. The software update is supposed to cut NOx levels. Indeed, with the software updates, nitrogen oxide pollution should be reduced by 20 percent.

Audi has been looking closely at all of its diesels the last several months. The study has been looking for any irregularities. The study has looked systematically at all engine and transmission combinations available. The automaker has been working closely with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

Audi Hopes to Maintain Diesel Viability for Customers

Audi’s voluntary plan and its vision of the future hope to maintain diesel viability for customers, as well as contributing to better air quality. Audi believes its program will counteract possible bans on diesel-powered engines. And, it also knows that the lower CO₂ capability of diesel will enable the automaker to meet ambitious European emissions targets.

Audi aims to maintain the future viability of diesel engines for its customers and to contribute to improving air quality. At the same time, Audi believes its program will counteract possible bans on vehicles with diesel engines. With their low fuel consumption, diesel engines help to achieve the ambitious CO2 targets in Europe, which is another reason why Audi has decided to offer this retrofit program.

Meantime, KBA’s investigations are ongoing and may result in further technical changes. The automaker has promised to implement the technical solutions “in the interest of its customers” as part of the retrofit program.

European Diesel Summit Planned Aug. 2

Another automaker, Daimler-Benz, also announced a voluntary recall of 3 million Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles in Europe to update the NOx software. BMW is confident of its engines and is waiting for an Aug. 2 European diesel summit of factory officials with Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt where diesel emissions will be discussed.

Source: Audi