Admitted emissions-cheat Volkswagen is set to cancel the sale of its entire range of diesel models in the U.S. for the 2016 model year.
According to written copies of testimony acquired by the Los Angeles Times, VW's North American CEO Michael Horn plans to announce the move before Congress on Thursday. Horn will also reportedly apologize to Congress for "Volkswagen's use of a program that served to defeat" emissions tests.
Interestingly, the withdrawal of the company's application to sell diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. includes larger diesel turbo direct injected (TDI) models not implicated by so-called dieselgate. While some had questioned the tailpipe emission cleanliness of the company's 3.0-liter TDI engines, it was the smaller 2.0-liter TDIs that were the focus of the Environmental Protection Agency's investigation.
While the move might seem shocking to some, it was already a foregone conclusion. After all, the EPA refused to certify the company's TDI models for sale in the U.S. earlier this year in light of emissions concerns. And it was the refusal to certify VW's 2016 diesel models that led the world's largest automaker to admit it had cheated emissions tests.
The question that remains unanswered is what exactly VW will do to fix the affected TDI models, which include several brands and as many as six model years.
A proposed software fix would be the cheapest option, however, it would slash engine power output and efficiency. Another alternative is retrofitting the vehicles with exhaust treatment systems that could bring emissions to legal levels, however, this could cost roughly $3,000 per car. The last and most costly option, but one that would save most face with customers, would be a buy-back program in which VW would give customers new cars or simply buy the affected model from them.
Until a decision is made, current VW diesel owners will just have to wait. At least now we know there won't be any more customers added to the 'conned' list for 2016.