Bad show, Volkswagon. I expected better of you.

[markw]

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday ordered Volkswagen to fix nearly 500,000 VW and Audi diesel cars that the agency said are intentionally violating clean air laws by using software that evades EPA emissions standards.
...

The cars, all built in the last seven years, include a device programmed to detect when they are undergoing official emissions testing, the EPA said, adding that the cars only turn on full emissions control systems during that testing. The controls are turned off during normal driving situations, the EPA said."

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/18/epa-says-vw-intentionally-violates-clean-air-standards/?intcmp=hpbt1

 

[Chu Gai]

I just knew they were trying to hide something.

On another note, that's pretty slick. Wonder what the fine will be?

 

[rnatalli]

The talk says the fine could be upwards of $18 billion. $37,500 for each of the 482,000 affected cars. This doesn't include the stock plunge, loss of sales, etc.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jinjuku]

Since I own a 2009 TDi this should get interesting. The interesting part being: Will VW extend the warranty on the emission control system.

The thought being that any ECU update would now put those systems in to more strenuous use there for causing breakage.

Instead of VW paying $37/K vehicle how about they give owners a new VW at MSRP. Since their cost won't be actually $37K it won't have as much financial impact. Totally a non self serving suggestion on my part.

 

[Midwesthonky]

I thought their solution was pretty creative. Quite illegal, but very creative.

They are not the first company to try to push the limit on emissions and other vehicle regulations. But they got caught.

 

[3db]

Easier to fix things thru software than hardware.

 

[Swerd]

In Maryland, they don't actually measure the tailpipe emissions unless a car is old. Instead, they plug into the car's computer memory and see whether it's recent history shows it was running to specs. I wonder if VW's workaround would be needed to pass that kind of "emissions test"?

 

[jinjuku]

There is a huge fundamental problem and that is false advertising and consumers that purchased based on those claims.

I expect a buyback would be in order if they want to avoid a massive class action suite.

I didn't get what I paid for, I don't want the car hacked with either software or hardware and the associated issues because we know how well rigging this stuff up is going to work (because it will be rushed).

Resale value is CERTAINLY borked.

I'm pissed.

 

[3db]

Managers and staff who knowingly allows unethical practices to occur (such as faulty ignition switches and fooling emission test to go into production) need to be jailed for a 10 year minimum with no chance for parole.

 

[Seth=L]

10 years from now the VWs not turned in with the slick computer will probably be sought after for nefarious reasons. Or 10 years from now we'll discover this is an industry-wide con.

 

[Seth=L]

Managers and staff who knowingly allows unethical practices to occur (such as faulty ignition switches and fooling emission test to go into production) need to be jailed for a 10 year minimum with no chance for parole.

Agreed, if a Chinese manufacturer pulled that **** they would be executed. Western civilization slaps you on the hand and the companies take a financial hit. No accountability.

 

[j_garcia]

In CA they don't test tailpipe anymore either, which means this won't do any good. It checks the ECU and it has to have a certain amount of data logged or it is a retest. I think the guy at the shop knew that when we took my son's previous Jetta to him and he said he couldn't test it.

My ECU isn't stock

 

[herbu]

I wonder if this would be a good time to buy a new VW, from dealer stock, on the cheap. I bet they're not even moving the gas models.

 

[TheWarrior]

I wonder if this would be a good time to buy a new VW, from dealer stock, on the cheap. I bet they're not even moving the gas models.

They're no longer allowed to sell the 2015 TDI's, and the 2016's have had their certificate revoked.

Personally, I would never buy a gas VW. German parts, no matter the make, cost MORE! Did you know you can't change the head lamps with out removing the front end? Its part of their aero-platform that restricts hand access in the front. So without the fuel economy (and torque) bragging rights, this is DOA for me. My TDI wagon is now effectively worthless, so yeah, I wouldn't mind a buy back!

 

[jinjuku]

I wouldn't mind a buy back!

So is my TDi Wagon. I hope a buy back is in the works. It sucks as I really like the car but I don't want to do the recall and if it is forced then I'm screwed.

 

[herbu]

I don't want to do the recall and if it is forced then I'm screwed.

The latest I read said only 2 choices.
1) software fix that will degrade performance
2) hardware fix that will consume considerable trunk space

Of course, the software fix would be immensely cheaper for VW. Only question would be the cost of fines, penalties and lawsuits compared to the same for a hardware fix. You can bet the "fix" will be whatever is cheaper for VW.

I'm thinking about owners being able to flash their own software. You can buy a kit to do it now for other cars to increase performance. If VW goes w/ the software flash, I wonder how long it will be before instructions/kits are available for the owner to reflash however they want.

 

[markw]

The latest I read said only 2 choices.
1) software fix that will degrade performance
2) hardware fix that will consume considerable trunk space

I'll go for door number three, Drew.
I really don't think either of these two options will sit well with current owners.

 

[jinjuku]

It's not only the degrade in performance. It's the real possibility of having the DPF system take a crap on you. That's not a cheap repair. I don't want to be driving a ticking time bomb in that regard.

 

[herbu]

I really don't think either of these two options will sit well with current owners.

Agreed. This was an amazing subterfuge that could decimate VW. It's incredible they thought they could really pull this off.

 

[TheWarrior]

It's not only the degrade in performance. It's the real possibility of having the DPF system take a crap on you. That's not a cheap repair. I don't want to be driving a ticking time bomb in that regard.

Didn't I see you had the 2009 model, also? Ever had any HPFP issues? I got the 'extended warranty' notice, but my car was already way over 120k. Between that, and the cost of a new DPF, yeah, we're talking new car territory. They really just need to own it, pay their $18 Billion fine, and give everyone a massive credit towards a 2016 that HAS been approved by the EPA!