“The VW software fix that could damage the engines further” – The European Commission has claimed that the software update puts more “stress” on the vehicles’ engines

And we agree!

VW’s nightmare continues – there is no smoke without fire.

The German manufacturers are forced to defend themselves after the European Commission claimed that its recent software fix on the affected vehicles could actually further damage the vehicles’ engines.

We’re acting for thousands of clients affected by the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal, and we can tell you now that there is a disturbing trend where recalled vehicles are having problems.

This is exactly what we feared; and suspected.

An update on the “VW software fix”

The software update is currently available for some 1.2 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines affected by the scandal. Some 3 million vehicles with the 1.6 litre engines require an update with an additional mesh to be installed in order for it to pass the tests they once failed as well.

European Commission’s accusation

The European Commission raised its concerns after basing its claims on research carried out at the Vela emissions laboratory in Italy. The European Commission said that, by turning the engines’ anti-pollution measures on, the software could cause more “strain” on the engine. The claims have yet to be published from either Vela researchers or the European Commission, but they do not come as a surprise to us.

A lot of our clients who have had the recall are having problems.

VW’s defence

VW have been quick to defend itself and its reputation; yet again. A VW spokesperson said:

“…(that the) update will not have an effect on fuel consumption or the durability of the engine and its components.“

We don’t see how this is possible given the scientific evidence made available from the experts, and from the evidence provided by our own clients.

If the European Commission’s claims are found to be true, the German manufacturers may have to dig deep again as legal actions continue to hit them from around the world. With 1.23 million of the vehicles receiving the software updates, the sum of money will probably not be small!

A legal guarantee?

It’s good to see the support from European bodies. In a bid to protect their European citizens, the European Commission has asked VW to make a legal undertaking to guarantee that there will not be any adverse effect to the updated vehicles.

This is similar to what the U.S. legal action is demanding.

The exact words were:

“We need VW to guarantee in a legally binding way and without any time limit, that the repairs will work and do not have any negative impact.“

VW refuses to make an undertaking…

So, we have:

• Clear accusations
• VW suggesting that the accusations are untrue

So, an undertaking seems like a sensible move, right?

Well, despite VW’s assertions that there will be no adverse affect, they state that making the undertaking suggested by the European Commission is “not necessary”.

That’s right: VW assert their will be no adverse affect, yet they’re not prepared to make a legally binding undertaking to reflect that statement.

You can’t make this stuff up!

VW look guilty again…

By rejecting to make an advanced guarantee, VW simply look guilty. If they are innocent and are confident in their software update, why not make a guarantee to all their customers?

It’s nonsensical to refuse to do so!

Awaiting the findings

Once the European Commission / Vela researchers publish their findings, it will be interesting to see VW’s reaction, as it will be hard for them to deny evidence that shows the software update as having a negative impact on the vehicles, if this is how things go. If this is the case, more legal proceedings and compensation is clearly in order…