Originally Posted by
DiscoMick
If they don't meet the emissions standards then they're faulty. The fact that the engine runs OK doesn't make them roadworthy. Technically, they are unroadworthy.
I suspect many of the vehicles running around with engine chip upgrades would also fail an emissions test and be declared unroadworthy. What implications would a vehicle being unroadworthy have for insurance? Could insurers refuse to pay out on them?
In this case it seems all VW has to do is reprogram the software to reduce emissions, which could mean reducing power output I expect. I assume that right now their software engineers are trying to figure out how to have the best of both - meet the emissions standards without causing a significant power loss. That would be why VW is saying it could take up to a year to reprogram all the vehicles.
I see 2011-2012 Amaroks sold in Oz are listed as being among those that have the defeat software.