VW Says 430,000 New Vehicles Have “Implausible” CO2 Ratings

Volkswagen Group reports that 430,000 of its 2016 models have “implausible” carbon dioxide ratings, meaning their true fuel efficiency is lower than reported.

The vehicles are among 800,000 flagged by VW two weeks ago as having “irregularities” in their CO₂ ratings. The measurements are used to estimate fuel efficiency and road taxes.

The company says it is arranging to have any additional road taxes linked to the lower ratings charged to VW and not to the vehicle owner. But a spokesman tells the Financial Times the company also may offer at least some owners the option of returning their vehicles for a refund.

VW previous announced it has set aside €2 billion ($2.1 billion)—or €2,500 per vehicle—to pay for the recall. The company is still assessing which older models are affected. The 2016 vehicles it has identified include many diesel- and gasoline-powered versions of these nameplates:

• Audi A1 supermini
• SEAT Ibiza supermini
• SEAT Leon small hatchback
• SEAT Toledo small car
• Skoda Fabia supermini
• Skoda Octavia large sedan
• Skoda Superb large sedan
• Skoda Yelti small crossover
• VW Golf five-door hatch
• VW Jetta small sedan
• VW Passat large sedan
• VW Polo supermini
• VW Scirocco sport coupe
• VW T6 van
• VW Touran small MPV