German Authorities Widen Diesel Investigation To 23 Brands

KBA said the probe was triggered by the scandal of Volkswagen which rigged its diesel engines with software to cheat in emission tests. This process will take four weeks for the customer to receive the “goodwill package” and needs to be brought to the dealer to avail their gift card and Visa debit cards that is worth $500 each, according to USA Today. The latest move of the German automaker is to pacify its customers, who have been frustrated with the way they were cheated on emission standards.

Consumers will not be responsible for fix costs related to an emissions recall. The agency is about two-thirds of the way through its testing.

Volkswagen employees helped the Wolfsburg, Germany-based company uncover inconsistencies in carbon-dioxide emissions in 800,000 cars last week.

VW’s efforts to boost relations with its customer have already begun with the offer of a goodwill package, revealed earlier this week.

“Our office takes this unlawful conduct very seriously and is one of the lead states investigating the matter”, Healey said, in a press release.

German auto regulators have announced that they will expand their investigation into suspected diesel emissions manipulation to more than 50 models from various automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. Audi plans to post details of a similar program on Friday.

Monday’s offer comes on top of an existing promise to offer $2,000 U.S.to current VW owners to trade in their cars for new models. “Managers are not included”, said company spokesman Eric Felber. Once the client has the cards in their possession, they will need to go to a dealership to activate them.

The scandal erupted on September 18 when D.J. authorities uncovered VW’s use of “defeat units” to cheat exams for emissions of nitrogen oxide.

VW said customers “don’t have to sign anything” and will not be required to relinquish any legal rights.

Volkswagen shares opened Tuesday trading down 40 cents, or 1.5%, to $25.66 U.S, in the lower regions of a 52-week trading range of $22.71 U.S.to $52.87 U.S.

On Monday, Chief Executive Matthias Mueller issued a joint statement with the top labor representative at the company, saying the union would be involved in a series of talks during the coming 10 days in decisions about the company’s future.

“We must uncover the truth and learn from it”, said Müller of the inquiries.