VW’s Recall of Diesel Vehicles across Europe Climbs to 8.5-million

In the wake of the emissions scandal, Volkswagen has issued a massive recall in the European Union which includes over 8.5m diesel cars.

Volkswagen’s proposals for a voluntary scheme have been rejected by the German authorities, the Federal Motor Transport Authority, Germany, ordered a compulsory recall of all VW’s affected 2.4m vehicles in the country, and 6.1m across all 28 EU member states. Which ultimately means, formal recall of all 1.2m Volkswagen diesel engine cars in the UK too.

Volkswagen welcomed the German decision and said that it would “give customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles”.

How many cars were fitted with the device?

So far, Volkswagen has admitted of 11m diesel cars worldwide having defeat device installed on them to manipulate emissions tests. That’s a huge number and to meet the costs of recalling, VW has put aside £4.8bn (€6.5bn).

To face the threats of fines and legal actions from the customers and shareholders, the company has put aside a huge amount, however, USA boss has apologised on this issue.

When this recall will begin?

According to the carmaker, the recall of the affected vehicle will begin early in 2016 but due to massive numbers, it may not be completed within the year. The company says that some of their vehicles will be fixed by changing the software, while others will require new parts to be installed such as fuel injectors.

The important fact here is that for VW to begin repairing vehicles around the globe through its recall plan, they need the approval of the German authorities.

What German authorities has to say about it?

The recall has been confirmed by the German transport minister, Alexander Dobrindt. He stated that “VW is ordered to remove the defeat software from all vehicles and to take appropriate measures to ensure that the emissions rules are fulfilled.”

The cooperation between the authorities and the VW had been “extraordinarily good”, further added Dobrinbt. He also warned that some of the cars need hardware changes to fix them and that may not be ready until September 2016.

What about the consumers?

The British consumers are stepping up the pressure on VW and the law firms like Leigh Day and Slater, Gordon, representing more than 4,000 and more than 3,000 car owners respectively, are written to the VW warning that their response to owner’s concerns was “woefully inadequate”.