Audi Recalls 850,000 Diesels to Update Pollution Software

Audi AG says it will recall 850,000 of its V-6 and V-8 diesels and modify their pollution control software to improve real-world emissions.

A source tells Reuters the measure will result in a 20% reduction in the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), gases linked to respiratory diseases.

Reuters says the Audi recall will be part of a broader campaign to be unveiled next month in Germany to update the software in all Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesels in the country, regardless of manufacturer. Reuters’ sources say the overall cost of that initiative is expected to be less than €2 billion ($2.3 billion).

Audi’s callback covers diesels in Volkswagen Group’s Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen brand vehicles worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Audi says its free update is being offered “for the future of the diesel engine.” The viability of the engine has been threatened in the aftermath of VW’s admission nearly two years ago that it rigged 11 million of its diesels worldwide to evade emission limits. The scandal has prompted threats to ban diesels outright.

Audi says its software update will improve emissions “beyond the current legal requirements.” Those European requirements permit diesel software to cut off emission controls if necessary to protect the engine. Critics say some manufacturers abused that allowance by rigging their engines to exceed emission limits even during normal driving conditions.

Audi also says it may consider further measures pending the outcome of a continuing investigation by Germany’s Ministry of Transport and KBA, the Federal Motor Transport Authority, into NOx emissions.