Volkswagen to rent parking spaces because of new emissions testing bottlenecks

Volkswagen is renting parking spaces from August to stockpile vehicles which cannot be sold because of bottlenecks as results of new engine emissions tests, a spokeswoman stated.

Automakers are hurrying to get models through a new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) tests on a limited amount of exhaust emission test benches as they won’t be able to sell new automobiles after September 1.

Volkswagen had acknowledged in June a potential delay in up to 250,000 vehicles across the world caused by the stricter anti-pollution test procedures and prepares to throttle back production of some models at different plants because of testing bottlenecks.

The automaker has rented some multi-storey car parks and open parking lots to park the automobiles it cannot yet deliver, the spokeswoman stated.

The timing of when it will have to stockpile inventory relies on the plant where automobiles are built, she included.

One alternative is to utilize Berlin’s long-delayed international airport, Berlin-Brandenburg, although it has not yet been decided, she stated.

Volkswagen stated in June it would close its main Wolfsburg factory for 1-2 days a week between August and the end of September. Furthermore, it will shut its Zwickau factory on some days and components manufacturing will deal with resulting delays.