VW scandal taking toll on Porsche

Calling it a “goodwill package”, VW hopes this is the first step in regaining the trust of its customers.

Caught up in a global emissions test cheating scandal, Volkswagen is making the first move to patch up relations with its USA customers by offering a $500 gift card and another $500 in credit to be used for service or products at a VW dealer. The offer is meant to assuage the proprietors of the 2-liter diesel fueled VW autos as the car maker chips away at repairing the vehicles influenced.

The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) regulator reportedly said it found “partly elevated levels of nitrogen oxides” in a few of more than 50 models, which included vehicles from BMW, Mercedes and General Motors Co.’s Opel, triggering further tests on suspicion of manipulation of emissions from diesel engines. Those who are eligible to receive the package will have until April. 30, 2016 to redeem the gift cards. The new prepaid cards are now acting as a form of reparation for people who purchased VW diesel vehicles under false pretenses. Volkswagen also faces criminal investigations in the USA and Europe. VW said on Monday that customers “don’t have to sign anything” and will not be required to relinquish any legal rights.

German authorities say automaker Volkswagen will likely need to make more than just software changes to almost a quarter of its 2.4 million diesel cars being recalled in the country.

Volkswagen has admitted to installing so-called defeat devices in 11 million cars.

The company said its Audi luxury brand would offer the same award starting Friday.

Volkswagen posted on the website, “Over the past several weeks, we’ve apologized to our loyal customers about the 2.0L TDI emissions issue”. Individuals accepting the offer will not have to relinquish their right to participate in a class-action lawsuit against Volkswagen.

The gift voucher is paid through $500 prepaid Visa card and $500 through dealership card.

“We are working tirelessly to develop an approved remedy for affected vehicles”, said Michael Horn, VW’s U.S. CEO, said in a statement.

The EPA suggests approximately 10,000 vehicles were sold with the offending engines in the US market.VW’s emissions scandal began in September, causing the company’s stock price to plunge.