RAC reacts to Volkswagen emissions testing practices

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: “UK motorists will be following developments regarding VW and emissions testing of its vehicles in the US very closely. More information will no doubt come to light in the coming days and weeks, but we currently do not know the extent of the problem, whether there is a solution, or what attitude the authorities will take to vehicles that clearly do not comply with emissions regulations.

“VW owners will naturally be worried at this news, but VW will no doubt be giving absolute priority to finding the best possible solution as quickly as possible.

“Drivers of diesel vehicles, who are already under pressure in some areas where local air quality exceeds EU limits, will be feeling increasingly frustrated despite having been incentivised by the Government’s Vehicle Excise Duty structure to choose diesel vehicles. We therefore urge the authorities not to react to this news in haste, but rather to wait until they have all the facts to hand.

“Other manufacturers will surely now come under increasing pressure to demonstrate the transparency of their own emissions testing practices.”