Volkswagen Australia Suspends Sale Of Diesel Cars

In response to the Volkswagen Group’s diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen Australia has released its first official statement on the issue, announcing an immediate suspension of sale for those vehicles involved.

The brief statement from Volkswagen Group Australia reads:

“Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) met with the relevant government authorities yesterday to advise them of its strategy in Australia to address concerns that have been raised around the world regarding the diesel emissions issue.” 

“In its first step, effective immediately VGA has temporarily suspended the sale of affected vehicles fitted with 1.6 or 2.0-litre EA189 diesel engines. The suspension will remain until the emission issues are addressed in those vehicles.” 

It also goes on to say that further announcements will be made next week.

At this time Volkswagen has not stated what action it will take for owners who have already purchased a vehicle powered by the EA189 diesel engine at the centre of the emissions scandal.

The cars suspended for sale include models from Volkswagen’s passenger and commercial vehicle range, as well as Skoda vehicles.

The controversy centres around engine control units that were designed to detect when vehicles were under prescribed test conditions, and altered their operating paramaters to deliver cleaner emissions results than would be delivered under normal driving circumstances.

As many as 11 million vehicles are fitted with the emissions 'defeat device', and the scandal has alredy seen Volkswagen Group CEO, Martin Winterkorn, step down. Class action lawsuits in the US and Europe are underway, and Volkswagen's share price has tumbled as a result.

Audi Australia has also issued a similar statement regarding it's range of affected vehicles.

MORE: Volkswagen | Dieselgate | Diesel