As previously announced, the issue with the software at the centre of the test manipulations in the US is only said to affect diesel vehicles with EA 189 Euro 5 engines – new vehicles currently available with Euro 6 engines are not affected.

Volkswagen added that in a first step, the customers affected will be informed that the emissions characteristics of their vehicles will be corrected in the near future. It added that all vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy.

Under the action plan, Volkswagen and the other Group brands whose vehicles are affected will present the technical solutions and measures to the responsible authorities in October.

As previously revealed, the vehicles affected include five million from VW, 2.1 million Audi, 1.2 million Skoda and 1.8 million commercial vehicles, with SEAT now having said 700,000 of its cars have the software fitted.

The Spanish carmaker has temporarily suspended the sale and delivery of all new vehicles with the EA 189 engines which contain the software.