Audi has suspended deliveries of certain diesel-powered A6 and A7 models, as it develops a software update to rectify “irregularities” with the engine management on 60,000 cars worldwide.

60,000 Audi diesel cars are affected globally.

The issue affects Euro 6 compliant V6 TDI engines producing up to 270hp, and applies to the outgoing models rather than the new A6 and A7 which are launching this year. Audi said none of the 60,000 cars are North American market versions, implying most will be in Europe, and added that customers will be notified in the coming weeks.

Discussions are ongoing with the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany and vehicle registration authority in Luxembourg, as well as within the Volkswagen Group, and a software update will be issued shortly.

Audi CEO, Rupert Stadler, said: “We regularly inform the Federal Motor Transport Authority about the results of our systematic engine testing program. We report any irregularities to the authorities because full clarification is our top priority. We did so without delay also in this case.”

Speaking at the carmaker’s Annual General Meeting today, Stadler said 2018 was a “key year” for the company, including “clearing up the diesel crisis and restructuring large parts of our global organisation for the course we have set for the future”. The e-tron electric SUV will arrive at the end of the year, and plug-in hybrid and electric technology will soon be available in every model line, as Audi targets 800,000 electrified vehicle sales per year by 2025 – almost half its global volume.