Audi offers ‘goodwill package’ to owners affected by dieselgate

Audi’s extending an olive branch to owners of the A3 2.0-liter TDI diesel models that were affected by dieselgate. These owners will receive two US$500 pre-paid gift cards and free roadside assistance for three years. The first pre-paid card can be spent anywhere you choose, while the second one is for in-dealership spending. It’s rather similar to the scheme VW has going. You need to register online with your vehicle’s VIN number, your driver’s license, and proof of ownership by April 30, 2016. Once registered, you should get the package within four weeks.

Unfortunately, those using the larger 3.0-liter TDI diesel engines are part of the program. Audi says they are working on a software repair for the larger diesel models, which the company estimates will cost it “mid-double-digit millions of euros.”

Source: Mashable

Dieselgate scandal deepens, now involves Audi and Porsche models

There seems to be no end to the Volkswagen dieselgate scandal which involved millions of vehicles across various countries that have been designed to cheat emissions tests using Defeat Device software in the cars' computers. While the initial scandal revelaled that various diesel VW models dating back to 2009 were outfitted with the defeat device, we are now finding out that this now involves newer Audi and Porsche models. 

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Three German carmakers reportedly in talks to buy Nokia’s Here mapping service

Audi, BMW, and Daimler are reportedly in talks with Nokia to buy the company’s mapping service. The deal is estimated to be worth over US$2.71 billion. A source told The Wall Street Journal that Nokia has been talking exclusively with these three car manufacturers. The agreement could be signed within the next few days.

There is a possibility though that the car companies might invite other brands to buy stakes in this. According to the source, the goal is to make the service an open platform for everyone. So they don’t have to rely on third-party platforms like Garmin and Google. Uber was supposedly in talks to buy Here but they gave up on bidding several weeks back. Another possible outcome of the takeover is it’ll help companies develop self-driving cars.

Source: The Wall Street Journal | Via: Apple Insider

Audi plans to unveil all-electric SUV in 2018

There will be an all-electric sport utility vehicle from Audi, but it’ll be coming three years from now. According to Audi’s engineering chief Ulrich Hackenberg, the company plans to bring a battery-powered “sports activity vehicle” early 2018. It will range upwards of 500 kilometers and it’s going to be “very attractive.” The image above was shown by Hackenberg at Audi’s annual press conference. Of course, there is no word yet where they will sell it and for how much.

 Source: The Verge