VW Will Recall Nearly 2.5 Million Diesels in Germany

Volkswagen AG plans to call back almost 2.5 million diesel-powered vehicles in Germany to replace illegal software that was designed to evade emission standards, according to Die Welt.

The German newspaper, which cites no sources, says the recall will cover more than 1.5 million VW-brand cars and light commercial vehicles. The campaign also targets 531,800 Audi, 287,000 Skoda and 104,200 SEAT vehicles.

Today was VW’s deadline for presenting a detailed repair plan to Germany’s motor transport authority. The recall will begin in January.

All affected vehicles are equipped with 1.2-, 1.6 or 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesels from the company’s EA 189 engine family. VW said last week that all three diesels can be brought into compliance with quick software updates and, in the case of 1.6-liter engines, the addition of a simple air flow device.

VW claims the updates won’t adversely affect engine performance. The company has not explained why it opted to use cheater software initially rather than the substitute software.