Volkswagen retrofitting of manipulated diesel vehicles has begun already evident. On Wednesday apparently already affected several cars of the model Amarok have received a software update. A dpa-journalist was present when the software has been deployed without problems.
In a letter to the Amarok customers, which of the German press agency, says: "With this letter we want to inform them that the necessary software is available and your vehicle can be reprogrammed now".
The start of the conversion confirmed but on demand of Deutsche Presse-Agentur initially neither the body responsible for approving the technical solutions the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) nor the VW Group in Wolfsburg. A KBA spokesman said on Wednesday afternoon: "A release of the technical solution for Volkswagen by the KBA is not yet available for an hour." A spokesman for the brand, VW Commercial Vehicles, which is responsible for the Amarok, said: "The retrofit campaign is officially not yet begun. "The software stand the dealers are already available, the beginning of the week the appropriate notifications have already been sent to the affected customers.
Nearly three months after the announcement of the exhaust manipulations for cars from the VW Group now starts the conversion of the vehicles concerned. In Germany alone have 2.4 million cars of VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat in the workshop. The answers to the key questions.
What is the general schedule?
The conversion starts in late January. First, the vehicles with 2.0-liter diesel engines are summoned to the workshop. The start to make trade the pick-up model Amarok and the mid-range model. Beginning of the second half of the year expected to follow the 1.2-liter engines. The most expensive part of the recall plan, the Group for the third quarter - then the 1.6-liter engines in the series, in which the most extensive retrofits are necessary.
How to start the recall for me?
Volkswagen sets customers with affected vehicles initially generally in writing of the intended recall measure. Depending on the vehicle, the engine and the gearbox follows during the year, a second letter with the request to make an appointment at any authorized service workshop. Particularly good workshops may come to the same with a proposal on the clientele. In total there are in Germany around 2,200 larger showrooms and service workshops and even a few authorized repairers. The repair in a free workshop is not possible. Who like VW pays the costs, may also determine the location of the works - and that is in this case, its own network.
How much time does it cost the recall?
The first hurdle will probably be the appointment of a suitable workshop event, because for the service companies, conversion is a mammoth task. Theoretically get 1,100 to repair cars at every workshop. The work itself take, at best, only about 30 minutes - at least for the engines with 1.2 and 2.0 liters of displacement, in which, according to VW reaches a software update to meet the emissions standard. For vehicles with 1.6-liter engines in addition a so-called flow rectifier in the intake manifold behind the air filter must be installed. The simple and inexpensive plastic grille to the air sucked calm and thereby allow the underlying air mass meter accurate measurements, which in turn will enable a cleaner combustion process. The cost of the installation is relatively low, since the area of the engine compartment is easily accessible. VW indicates the workload with less than an hour. In practice, however, remains to be seen how long the customer has really end up sitting at the dealership and drinking coffee. That will depend not least on the organizational skills of the respective operation.
If the callback associated with additional costs?
Time, trouble, fuel for the journey - these are the main items for the customer. Mobility restrictions will prevent VW promises a "reasonable" and free replacement mobility. However, the individual chances of getting a replacement car probably depend heavily on the operating; While many car dealers have increased their fleet, should leave blind man not on the availability but. Some farms also offer a fetching and delivery service or undertake parallel to convert a free vehicle check. The pay for car mechanic as well as obtaining the necessary parts accepts in any case VW.
Do I have disadvantages in consumption or power fear?
The VW group is called a "target" that resulted from the conversion of engine power could erode any, driving performance and consumption. Whether that really folding, but remains to be seen.
Can I ignore the call anyway?
The vehicles are also without conversion continues technically safe and roadworthy emphasizes VW. The use in road transport is therefore initially still possible. Should ignore Ewig you the invitation to visit to the workshop but not. If the car is not restored to the condition required by law within a reasonable period, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) or VW recalls the holder again consolidated in a follow-up action on the workshop visit. Responds the then still do not threaten eventually decommissioning of the vehicle. Panicked whether this prospect must but nobody expire - one more month trip around the world about must not be postponed because of the recall. Even VW promises to convert free until the end of 2017, to dispense with the so-called statute of limitations defense.
How do I know the future at used cars, whether the conversion was carried out?
As usual in such cases receive repaired vehicles an indication stickers, usually in the spare wheel well. In addition, an entry is made in the service booklet. And also in the VW internal workshop data participating in the recall action is noted. When in doubt, every dealer can provide information.
Is there a form of compensation?
In the US, VW get customers a so-called goodwill package with credits for repairs and accessories for the equivalent of $ 1,000 to redeem the dealership. There are three years free roadside assistance. A similar program for Europe should not give it on the current state. However, the policy calls already equal treatment of customers in different markets.
