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Audi says fixing diesel emission problem is simple

Audi reportedly has a simple repair nearly ready to fix the emissions problem on 85,000 vehicles with the 3.0-liter TDI V6 in the US. "Swift, straightforward and customer-friendly solutions are in discussion," company exec Rupert Stadler told workers in Germany, according to Reuters. In late November, Audi announced that the 3.0 TDI had three previously undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices, including one that was potentially considered a defeat device under US law. At the time, the German automaker claimed it could repair the problem with just a software update. Stadler's statement indicates that just such a simple fix might be on the way. Even before Audi's disclosure of the emission control devices, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation against the 3.0-liter TDI for allegedly having software to defeat emissions tests, and the agency later expanded the scope to any vehicle with the engine from 2009 through 2016. The affected models include the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. New diesel versions of these vehicles have a stop-sale. Audi offered owners of affected vehicles the same $1,000 Goodwill Package that parent company VW offered to its affected diesel owners. The money is split up into a $500 gift card and $500 to spend at the Audi dealer. The package also comes with extended roadside assistance. Audi needs to find a solution quickly because it's under a 45-day deadline from the California Air Resources Board to submit a recall plan for the 15,000 vehicles with the 3.0 TDI in the state. The automaker also must include a report on any effects to fuel economy and performance from the proposed repair. Related Video:

NA auto output to reach 11-year peak

According to Automotive News, automakers are expected to manufacture 16 million light vehicles in North America in 2013. That's up 500,000 units from last year and marks the largest number since 2002. The prediction comes courtesy of LMC Automotive and IHS Automotive, which point to the improving US economy as a bellwether for total production. LMC Automotive says North America will produce 16 million vehicles while IHS has a slightly more optimistic forecast of 16.1 million units. A total of seven automakers are slated to increase production on the continent this year. Nissan is set to see the largest jump at 20 percent over last year.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, is one of the only manufacturers predicted to scale back production. Analysts expect the German company's output to fall by 23 percent to 170,000 units, thanks in part to slow demand for the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta.

VW reveals updated 2016 Jetta GLI [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Volkswagen has updated its press release regarding the EA888 four-cylinder engine. Originally, it was described as the same engine as the GTI. This is not strictly the case, though. While both the GTI and GLI use the EA888 engine, the GLI's engine does not get variable valve lift. Our story has been edited to reflect this. The Volkswagen GTI's slightly more mature and conservative fraternal twin, the Jetta GLI, is getting updated for 2016 in a big way. Chief among the changes is the GLI's new engine. It's an EA888 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, like the engine we've so thoroughly enjoyed in Autoblog's long-term GTI, although it does without variable valve lift, according to Volkswagen. It's still rated at 210 horsepower, though. Volkswagen also made some minor visual tweaks, including 18-inch "Mallory" wheels, a new front fascia, and a rear bumper that includes a diffuser and two chromed exhaust tips. There's also a new standard safety feature being offered for 2016 in the form of the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system. This is not, as we initially thought, a collision mitigation braking system, though. Basically, it only kicks in after the airbag sensors detect a crash, at which point APCB clamps down on the brakes in a bid to minimize the severity of the accident. Check out VW's full press release on the 2016 Jetta GLI, and the head up top for a look at the visual changes for this year. VOLKSWAGEN REVEALS THE 2016 JETTA GLI Jun 10, 2015 The performance version of Volkswagen's best-selling car offers new features and a sporty new look for the 2016 model year Herndon, VA — Today, Volkswagen of America unveiled the 2016 Jetta GLI, the sedan equivalent of the Golf GTI. Equipped with a specially tuned sport suspension and the same 210-horsepower, 2.0-literTSI® turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 four-cylinder engine as the Golf GTI, the GLI offers a compelling blend of value, performance and practicality. For 2016, the GLI gets a bold new look highlighted by an aggressive front fascia that incorporates a honeycomb grille and foglights, along with a new rear bumper design that has a diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. All 2016 Jetta GLI models have 18-inch Mallory design aluminum-alloy wheels, shod with standard all-season tires or optional summer performance tires. Inside, 2016 GLI models benefit from the new MIB 2 infotainment system that incorporates the full suite of USB and Car-Net connectivity.