Germany investigates Audi for possible new illegal emissions device

German auto authority KBA has summoned Audi for an official hearing about if its diesel-engined A6/A7 models have been fitted with a formerly unknown defeat device, Germany’s Transport Ministry stated on Tuesday.

German weekly magazine Spiegel reported that in Germany, about 30,000 vehicles diesel vehicles fitted with 6-cylinder diesel engines could have been fitted with an illegal software emissions device.

“The KBA has requested a hearing on suspicion the Audi V6TDI A6/A7 models have been fitted with an illegal defeat device,” Germany’s Transport Ministry verified in a statement.

Audi was not available at the time for discussion.

Around 60,000 vehicles globally have been fitted with the suspect V6TDI engines, the transport ministry stated, including that the pan-European road certification of the models of the Audi in question was issued in Luxemburg.

Audi stated on Tuesday that no cars in the United States were affected by its recent emissions software issues.

Volkswagen’s main luxury division stated it got into touch with Germany’s KBA automotive watchdog of its own volition about the issue and stopped deliveries of the affected models.