Skip to main content

Volkswagen agrees on buybacks and modifications for 3.0-liter diesels

2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI TD logo
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Over a year after the Volkswagen diesel scandal began, a settlement covering affected cars with 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines was approved at the end of October. But that still left a smaller amount of vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engines to be dealt with.

VW has now reached an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) on the 3.0-liter diesels. The agreement, which must still be approved by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, includes similar provisions to the 2.0-liter settlement. It requires Volkswagen to buy back cars or modify them to meet emissions standards, as well as to fund environmental remediation and infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles.

Recommended Videos

The 2.0-liter settlement covered more than 450,000 vehicles, but only 83,000 3.0-liter diesels need to be addressed. The affected models include diesel versions of the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7, as well as the Porsche Cayenne Diesel and Volkswagen Touareg TDI. The agreement calls for VW to recall “more than 75 percent” of these vehicles and modify them to meet emissions standards.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

However, modifications would have to be approved by both the EPA and CARB. The agencies haven’t approved any modifications submitted by Volkswagen for the 2.0-liter cars, although the 3.0-liter cars are expected to require less-extensive changes. Still, owners may end up in limbo waiting for modifications for their cars to be approved. VW will also buy back some cars, with details to be worked out a later date.

According to a company press release, Volkswagen will initially try to modify 63,000 2013-2016 model-year vehicles with so-called “Generation 2” engines, and buy back 2009-2012 models with “Generation 1” engines. However, VW may offer both options to owners of vehicles with both types of engine.

Besides addressing the vehicles themselves, Volkswagen will contribute an additional $225 million to the environmental remediation trust established under the 2.0-liter diesel settlement. It will also give California $25 million to “support the use of zero-emission vehicles in that state,” per the VW press release. Under the 2.0-liter diesel settlement, Volkswagen agreed to contribute $2 billion toward infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles, including electric-car charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations.

Volkswagen and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee are still working to resolve certain issues, including details on compensation for owners. Breyer set a deadline of January 31, 2017, for all parties to submit a formal agreement. The agreement cannot be implemented without his approval.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9: Electric SUV sisters battle it out
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on its way. Hyundai has taken the wraps off a production-ready version of the electric SUV, showing a modern vehicle that could well be the electric SUV to beat when it finally rolls out to the public. But it will have to contend with Hyundai’s sister company in order to truly gain the title of best electric SUV in its price range. The Kia EV9 has been a go-to option for a few years now.

But is one of these SUVs actually better, or are they just different? We put the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9 head to head to find out.
Design
There are some similarities in the designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9, but they also look a little different. First, the similarities. Both vehicles are clearly SUVs, with larger blocky shapes. But, while the Kia EV9 has straight lines and sharper angles, the Ioniq 9 is a little curvier, with a rounded roofline and sculpted curves in the side panels.

Read more
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more