As previously announced, the issue with the software at the centre of the test manipulations in the US is only said to affect diesel vehicles with EA 189 Euro 5 engines – all petrol models, as well as V6 TDI and V8 TDI models are unaffected.

As the carmaker says it’s working on technical solutions to present to the authorities, it added that over the coming days, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) details of affected cars will be released to retailers. In addition, a self-serve process for customers to check if their vehicle is affected will be set up.

Customers with these vehicles will be kept informed over the coming weeks and months. All of the Group brands affected will set up national websites to update customers on developments.

The specific numbers of vehicles in the UK affected per brand are as follows:

Volkswagen Passenger Cars – 508,276

Audi – 393,450

SEAT – 76,773

Skoda – 131,569

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – 79,838