2.1M Audi models use software to cheat diesel emissions tests

By Miles Branman September 28, 2015

Audi 2.0 TDI Engine — Audi 2.0 TDI Engine Image used with permission by copyright holder

Volkswagen Group’s woes continue to mount as it has been confirmed that Audi used approximately 2.1 million diesel engines equipped with emissions test-cheating software.

The news mostly affects vehicles sold in Western Europe (1.42 million models), including 577,000 in Germany, and centers on the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, TT, Q3, and Q5 models. Audi representative Bradley Stertz also noted that about 13,000-14,000 A3 models sold in the U.S. and 1,500 sold in Canada are also affected. The greatest number of affected vehicles utilize Audi’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel.

For those of you driving larger vehicles powered by Audi’s 3.0-liter V6 TDI, you’re in the clear.

It’s important to note that the 2.1 million Audi TDI engines using the software are not in addition to the reported 11 million affected vehicles, but rather are part of that number. Presently, German authorities estimate 2.8 million VW Group vehicles with emissions-dodging technology are on its roads, while the EPA says a total of 482,000 U.S. vehicles are impacted.

For those who haven’t been closely monitoring VW Group’s actions in the wake of the “DieselGate” scandal, the automotive behemoth has begun a series of dramatic internal changes in an attempt to restore public confidence and show the world that it’s taking its sins seriously.

Among the most significant changes, CEO Martin Winterkorn has been replaced by ex-Porsche CEO Matthias Muller; Volkswagen has allocated $7.3 billion for engine repairs related to the scandal; the Group has merged its U.S., Mexico, and Canada markets into one North American entity to more effectively control strategy; a deal with Red Bull to enter Formula 1 has been shut down; and in general, the organization has promised “less complexity” among its brands to avoid future mistakes.

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