Volkswagen South Africa responds to scandal

Volkswagen South Africa released a press statement after the false emissions scandal that hit the German automotive giant.

The company’s stock prices plummeted after investigations revealed that Volkswagen used a software program to trick fuel emissions testing.

This is VW SA’s press release:

“There has been extensive international media coverage relating to irregularities in Nitrogen oxide emission values measured during dynamo-meter regarding the emission standard Euro 5 of Volkswagen diesel vehicles fitted with the type EA189 Euro 5 engines.

In South Africa the compliance standard is EU 2. All Volkswagen Group diesel vehicles of the type EA 189 retailed in South Africa, that is, Volkswagen passenger, Audi, light and medium commercial vehicles comply with this standard for Nitrogen oxide emissions.

We want to further confirm that the bench mode in the software does not affect negatively the CO2 values. Our vehicles accordingly comply with the published CO2 values. Furthermore they are technically safe and roadworthy.

We would like to apologise to our customers for any uncertainty that may have been created over this issue and want to assure our valued customers, that their vehicles meet all the legal requirements in terms of which the National Regulator approved the sale for use in South Africa.

There is therefore no action required on either the part of the customer or our dealers.”