Since news broke that Volkswagen (VW) has cheated on its carbon emissions tests its stocks have tumbled and the CEO Martin Winterkorn has left the company as a result of the scandal.
VW reportedly cheated the emissions testing system by installing a special device that can detect when a car is being tested and adjusting the vehicle’s emissions to be within spec. However, when the car is on the road it switches back to normal functionality.
Volkswagen South Africa
Matt Gennrich, general manager group communications at Volkswagen Group South Africa, said in an email to Justmoney: “Volkswagen AG have apologised to customers worldwide for this issue. According to our latest findings only the diesel engine type EA 189 with 3 and 4 cylinders are affected by the emissions issue. In terms of South Africa we will have to await the outcome of the investigations at both VWAG in Germany and here locally to determine if any vehicles are affected that were sold in South Africa.
“Please be assured that there is no impact on the use of the car and that the cars can continue to be used safely by our customers. Should a recall prove to be necessary for South Africa, Volkswagen South Africa will cover all the costs.
“VWSA recently announced a R4.5 billion investment for new models to be produced in Uitenhage, this issue will not affect this investment.”
Carbon emission standards in South Africa
The standards or thresholds for carbon gas emissions for vehicles for both the United States and South African are not easily available. Volkswagen Group South Africa had not responded further requests for comment on the standards for carbon emissions in South Africa at the time of publication.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) makes mention of an Environmental Levy payable for vehicles that exceed the motor vehicle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions threshold. However, the actual threshold is not provided in this document.
A spokesperson for National Treasury noted that the carbon tax will be implemented in the second half of 2016. With regards to the environmental levy that is currently payable based on carbon emissions, there are two categories or classifications of vehicles according to a document provided by National Treasury.
Under the one category, if the engine capacity of a vehicle does not exceed 3 000cm3, the CO2 emissions are calculated at 120 + (0.05 x engine capacity in cm3). If engine capacity exceeds 3 000cm3, then the emissions are calculated at 175 + (0.05 x engine capacity in cm3).
Under the second category of vehicles, carbon emissions are calculated at 195 + (0.07 x engine capacity in cm3).
For more information on the vehicle categories and specifications with regards to the environmental levy, contact SARS (0800 00 7277).