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Emissions Scandal: Check If You're Affected

Emissions Scandal: Check If You're Affected

Car owners who fear they are affected by the emissions scandal are now able to check online whether their vehicle is involved.

Volkswagen , Audi , Skoda and Seat have not officially announced the service, but they appear to be testing it on their UK websites.

Users are asked to put in a vehicle identification number online and if their vehicle is affected they are told they will be contacted.

The message on the Volkswagen site says: "We regret to inform you that the … engine built into your vehicle is affected.

"Your car is safe from a technical standpoint and roadworthy.

"We are very sorry to have broken your trust and are working at full speed to find a technical solution."

Audi's message to affected drivers stops short of an apology but says those affected will be "kept informed".

It was revealed last month that millions of VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda diesel models had engine software to cheat emissions tests.

The new chief executive of VW has warned staff of "massive cutbacks" in the wake of the firm's diesel emissions scandal.

Matthias Mueller said he had placed all the car group's future investments under review since taking over from Martin Winterkorn - who quit the job last month - but indicated he would do all he could to protect jobs.

When the company admitted last month that 11 million vehicles were affected by software designed to cheat emissions-testing, VW said it was setting aside €6.5bn (£4.9bn) to cover costs.

That sum is expected to grow considerably in the coming months as it recalls vehicles and faces the prospect of legal action from regulators and drivers.

The bill is also likely to be exacerbated by falling sales, though the latest UK statistics for September, released on Tuesday, suggested that forward orders for new 65-plate cars propped up business for VW during the month.