If you’re in Europe, it’s a great time to trade in your old diesel Volkswagen. From this week on, Volkswagen offers substantial cash discounts, going up to 10,000 euros, that’s about Rs 7.5 lakhs on new purchases.
Offers are valid for customers buying new Volkswagen brand cars by trading in their old fuel guzzlers. Coming into effect this week, the trade-in is to encourage folks to buy new models that meet Euro-VI emission norms. In the larger scheme of things, the attempt is constructive towards the German automaker’s need to take responsibility towards lowering pollutant levels after being caught up in the largest emissions scandal in recent times. The regulatory emissions test manipulation effected 11 million VW diesel vehicles globally in 2015.
Valid through year end to customers in Germany, Volkswagen offers available in Germany now will be introduced in Europe too, to play a larger role in cleaner and greener environs. Exchange offers will be valid for Volkswagen AG subsidiaries Audi, Skoda, Seat and MAN commercial vehicles being traded in for Euro-VI compliant vehicles. Rebates of up to 5,000 euros (Rs 3.75 lakhs) have been announced by Porsche across its product range in Europe.
Incentivising trade-ins follows the government-industry summit hosted in Germany last week. Measures introduced will address diesel cars emissions and resulting levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Alongwith VW, BMW, Daimler and Opel are committed to reduce emissions through software updates and rebates and discounts. Companies also face stiff competition from Tesla Motorsrange of mass-market electric cars. Volkswagen cash exchange offer ranges from 2,000 euros (Rs 1.50 lakh) for Up! to 10,000 euros for Touareg. Daimler, BMW and Mini too are offering 2,000 euro trade-ins for Euro-VI complaint new cars through the year.
Volkswagen has signed a four year contract as a new partner of Union of European Football Association (UEFA) starting in 2018. As ‘Official Mobility Partner of UEFA National Team Football’, VW will also support UEFA 2020 European Football Championship. Volkwagen I.D., its e-mobility (electric car) range to be active in 2020 will be a focus for the auto manufacturer through this partnership. About 1.7 million Volkswagen vehicles were delivered to customers in Europe last year. VW passenger cars have a market in all of UEFA’s 55 member countries.
