Volkswagen’s Audi unit suspended deliveries of some of its popular cars after informing German authorities of irregularities in emissions systems, embroiling the luxury brand further in the carmaker’s diesel scandal.
An internal review revealed abnormalities in the engine-management software of current A6 and A7 models with V6 diesel motors, Audi said in a statement on Tuesday. That prompted a halt in deliveries pending an inquiry by regulators in Germany as well as Luxembourg, where the models were certified.
The problem relates to diesel engines with the latest Euro-6 standard, rather than older versions generally affected in the past. The issue raises questions about Audi’s handling of emissions irregularities and will likely increase pressure on Rupert Stadler, the brand’s chief who has been a frequent target of criticism in the aftermath of the scandal. The carmaker, which is 99.6 per cent-owned by Volkswagen, holds its annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday.
The inquiry affects about 60,000 vehicles worldwide, including 33,000 in Germany, according to Germany’s Transport Ministry. Audi said no US customers are affected. The A6 starts at €58,050 (£50,800) in Germany, while the A7 costs from €66,300.
As Germany’s automotive watchdog continues to scrutinise Volkswagen’s diesel portfolio, Audi said in February that it is recalling top-of-the line Audi A8 sedans with 4.2-liter V8 diesel motors. The carmaker said in March that additional recalls are likely as it undertakes more tests on combinations of engines and transmissions.
