The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has given final approval to the Volkswagen Group for modifications of 3.0-litre TDI engines following ‘Dieselgate’.  

The final KBA approvals cover modification of diesel models with type EA189 engines.

In response, VW said the group brands affected will successively notify European and international vehicle owners in the weeks ahead in close consultation with the relevant authorities. All customers will then be able to make an appointment in the short term to have their vehicles modified at an authorized service center of their choice. 

The Federal Motor Transport Authority’s approvals do not apply to affected vehicles in the USA and Canada. The recall and modification process is likewise yet to begin for vehicles with type EA189 engines in South Korea. 

The Federal Motor Transport Authority has confirmed – as it already had previously – that implementing the technical solutions for the affected models will in no way adversely affect fuel consumption, engine performance or noise emissions. Once modified, the vehicles will also meet all legal requirements and the applicable emissions standards.

Vehicle owners and lessees will receive updated information from Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche concerning their available buyback or modification options after the settlement is approved by the court.

The settlement also requires VW to offer to buy back older vehicles, and spend $225m to mitigate NOx pollution. VW will also repair newer vehicles to comply with the standards to which they were certified.