Volkswagen, the automaker responsible for the worldwide scandal known as ‘Dieselgate’ is having trouble getting owners to submit their vehicles to be fixed. The scandal first came to light in September of 2015, when it was revealed that the auto manufacturer had installed emissions cheating software in its diesel engines. The software, which only kicked in during emissions testing, allowed the vehicles to pass emissions. However, once on the road, the vehicles emitted much more pollutants than allowed by the FDA and other countries’ environmental regulations. While the automaker has sent worldwide recalls and has a fix, some customers are failing to return their vehicles to get the update, as The Times reports.
While 800,000 vehicles have been fixed throughout the UK, Volkswagen admits that 400,000 vehicles have yet to be fixed. However, the beleaguered auto manufacturer is placing the blame on the owners for the failure to repair the remaining vehicles.
The fix will reduce noxious emissions by 30%, however, there have been reports of decreased performance, leaving some owners reluctant to bring their vehicles in to receive the fix.
Some customers have ignored at least two notices to bring their vehicles in to be fixed, according to Volkswagen.
A Volkswagen spokesperson stated that obtaining the service remains “voluntary” and that they are “aware some customers have actively declined the implementation of technical measures.”
Environmental advocates are insistent that it is imperative that all affected vehicles be repaired. Unlike in the United States, Volkswagen as paid no fines, nor has it faced criminal charges in the US for the scandal.
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