** Important News: New Vehicle Registrations on Hold

[GrannyJen]

I think you are correct that this thread is going round in circles and that is primarily because of a lack of information and/or strategy from VW.
The other point which concerns us is that once VW do decide how to proceed and presumably make changes to the engines what effect will that have on the performance. Will they still perform as stated in the brochure?
These 2 points have made us decide that we do not want the cali that has been sitting at the dealer for some weeks now so we have cancelled the order and we are now looking for a used California.
We find it quite astonishing that VW seem to be repeating many of the same mistakes they made when they had the emissions problems on the cars.

Incidentally I have phoned a couple of VW dealers in the last few days asking about used californias. They have taken a note and said they would phone me back with details in 30 mins. I have yet to receive a call!

I am sorry to hear that.

Having gone through the whole process of deciding, evaluating, breathing deep and placing the order you must be bitterly disappointed. It is totally appalling that VW are relying on a vague and totally opaque release to a couple of motoring organisations in Germany to impart information.

VW customer services may have, in some cases, acted with commendable efforts in offering replacement vehicles to those whose vehicles are held at the dealers but the rest is just-disgraceful arrogance.

Sometimes problems can crop up without warning and that’s life but in those circumstances it is how you deal with it that matters and in this instance the lack of transparent communication from VW is quite disgraceful.

 

[California7]

I think you are correct that this thread is going round in circles and that is primarily because of a lack of information and/or strategy from VW.
The other point which concerns us is that once VW do decide how to proceed and presumably make changes to the engines what effect will that have on the performance. Will they still perform as stated in the brochure?
These 2 points have made us decide that we do not want the cali that has been sitting at the dealer for some weeks now so we have cancelled the order and we are now looking for a used California.
We find it quite astonishing that VW seem to be repeating many of the same mistakes they made when they had the emissions problems on the cars.

Incidentally I have phoned a couple of VW dealers in the last few days asking about used californias. They have taken a note and said they would phone me back with details in 30 mins. I have yet to receive a call!

@CandR Sussex, sorry to hear that you've cancelled the order .

From the little I understand and have been told from my dealer (feel free to press the fiction button ) this issue is not comparable with the software cheat scandal from before so we have no reason at present to assume there will be any difference to the stated performance/economy. The issue will also affect vans that are on the road already so buying nearly new might not solve the problem as these vans will likely be subject to a recall of some kind. Of course completely understand if you just want to get into a van and start enjoying it!

I suspect people cancelling orders is likely the only thing that will make VW sit up and listen (OK press the fiction button again).

Hope you find a van you like quickly.

 

[Fudge]

Just a suggestion why not look for one of the last T5’s. They are not effected by all this and are still very robust , still California with all the toys and gadgets and put the difference of the cost away until such time T7 get realised.

 

[Digger]

Just a suggestion why not look for one of the last T5’s. They are not effected by all this and are still very robust , still California with all the toys and gadgets and put the difference of the cost away until such time T7 get realised.

Euro 5 emissions are greater than any Euro 6 so if buying there is no sense in a Euro 5. The issue at present is that the information VW gave the authorities was based on an unreliable figure so rather than suffer a penalty they informed the authorities. As the same engine is still available, and sold in not just the Transporter but other models, it obviously complies with Euro 6 standards.
The hysteria when they VW were caught out with the earlier fiasco when looked at in the cold light of day showed their vehicles were less polluting than just about every other manufacturer.
I am angry with VW for causing this fiasco and more so for the roof problems but until VW condescend to issue the facts we and the dealers are in the dark

 

[Fudge]

Euro 6 is only better because of ad blue to hide it.
There is no way I would consider or be told by any government that I can’t drive what I desire. I’ve owned splitscreen, bay window and diesel T25 and these are more likely to be on the roads cherished by owners for years to come.
If feel for all these customers eager to get on with enjoying there purchases and was purely suggesting that it’s not too long in the scheme of things until T7 will be launched with all the current pressure to go green etc.
Thanks for your comments good to hear other views. Happy days.

 

[andyinluton]

I think you are correct that this thread is going round in circles and that is primarily because of a lack of information and/or strategy from VW.
The other point which concerns us is that once VW do decide how to proceed and presumably make changes to the engines what effect will that have on the performance. Will they still perform as stated in the brochure?
These 2 points have made us decide that we do not want the cali that has been sitting at the dealer for some weeks now so we have cancelled the order and we are now looking for a used California.
We find it quite astonishing that VW seem to be repeating many of the same mistakes they made when they had the emissions problems on the cars.

Incidentally I have phoned a couple of VW dealers in the last few days asking about used californias. They have taken a note and said they would phone me back with details in 30 mins. I have yet to receive a call!

If you haven't actually cancelled yet, I would wait until you've found the replacement first.

 

[Bellcrew]

Euro 6 is only better because of ad blue to hide it.
There is no way I would consider or be told by any government that I can’t drive what I desire. I’ve owned splitscreen, bay window and diesel T25 and these are more likely to be on the roads cherished by owners for years to come.
If feel for all these customers eager to get on with enjoying there purchases and was purely suggesting that it’s not too long in the scheme of things until T7 will be launched with all the current pressure to go green etc.
Thanks for your comments good to hear other views. Happy days.

It is likely that any vehicle that emits NOx over a given concentration (that will progressively reduce) will be banned from cities/suburbs in the near future regardless of actual harm caused. The cleaner the engine the longer it will still be accepted. SCR reduction does not hide the NOx it converts it to nitrogen and water.

 

[MattBW]

As expected zero response from vw

 

[Jenko]

I’ve been following this thread since it’s inception in mid December as we have had a new 150 manual Beach on order since September with a scheduled build of week 50. I made it clear to the dealer at the time that we did not want to take delivery until 1st March which wasn’t an issue and they were happy to hold the vehicle in store until our preferred collection date.
This morning I received a phone call from the dealer to tell me that the factory had upgraded our order and built our vehicle with DSG at no extra cost due to manual vehicle M1 T6’s having been suspended until further notice.
The dealer seemed to think that I would be delighted at the news until I told them that we specifically ordered a manual model and had sold our 2016 DSG 4Motion in November to fund out new vehicle primarily so we could go back to owning a manual version.
I cannot believe for one minute that at week 50 on the cusp of these problems the factory would randomly change a major specification without notifying the customer and leave the dealer to tell us the news 4 weeks after it was built.
This isn’t intended to create a debate between DSG and manual preferences but moreover it is another indicator that these issues may well be specific to manual versions.
At this point we have neither rejected nor accepted the vehicle as we are very much undecided but I have been categorically told that ordering a manual California or Caravelle is currently not an option with no specific reason given.
In short, it’s a case of take it or leave it.

 

[GreggB]

First post, hi everyone! Will introduce myself properly shortly.

Spoke to a VW Van Centre salesman to arrange a first look and test drive of a Cali Beach tomorrow. I mentioned the registration issue and his response was that the certificate of conformity on the affected models had expired and it was someone based at Milton Keynes responsibility to sort it out. Not sure if this is more waffle or closer to the truth.

 

[Fudge]

I was told by dealer two weeks ago that 150 manual was being discontinued only available as Dsg. He also said the 204 would be available in both but that’s there view from email statement VW sent.
I guess it’s all to do with the different tax bands, emissions and VW taking time out to come up with a plan.
Sorry to hear your news.

 

[California7]

Hi @GreggB, sadly I suspect the dealer has no clue, just like the rest of us poor souls waiting for our new toys to arrive...

@Jenco, something else to add into the mixing pot... one things for sure, the story isn’t getting any clearer.

Can’t believe how poor vw are at communicating...

 

[Ocean Spirit]

it is another indicator that these issues may well be specific to manual versions.

It certainly reads that way.

 

[Jans2]

Looking at this other thread it appears that all the diesel engine versions of the California are affected:

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...sions-issue-register-of-those-affected.22542/

 

[Ginab]

VW are going to say nothing until they have Real driving emissions sorted and at a level that they have promised the various taxation authorities.

They have said mid-february so expect mid-february. They are not going to be accused and found out of cheating again so they are going to say nowt until they have satisfied everyone with their emission data submissions.

It is hugely frustrating but they are not going to all risk going to the slammer, nor be seen to be cheating, so they are being ultra pedantic and ultra cautious in future relationships with watchdogs. Who can blame them.

Once established as being truthful, honest and transparent with the authorities the lying devious bastards will sell vehicles to their customers again.

 

[CampervanTime]

Yes that’s right, but it might be that VW just wanted to double check all their TDIs and have now found that it is the manuals that will be the issue going forward. A lot of the delay could be them just trying to figure a plan out for the existing manuals that have been built but are not registered. Let’s just hope they start allowing registration of the DSGs soon as a start.

Remember that the price list changed on the 21st Dec to remove all Manual TDIs except the 102 TDI Beach. This must tell us something...

 

[Jenko]

Although our manual has apparently been built as a DSG to get it through this legislation issue which is very disappointing for us, we have at least been told it is in the UK and is available for registration and delivery when we are ready, which is an encouraging sign something is moving....if it can be believed.
I will call the dealer again tomorrow to clarify this as the contradictory information coming from the dealerships and zero information from Volkswagen is appalling.

 

[Digger]

More guesses and lack of real information.
If the manual version is still selling as a Transporter and Kombi then guess what. It is the same engine and adblue components. As for emissions you have to query what is the difference between the Kombi and California as a loaded Transporter is easily as heavy if not more.
It may be that VW think as Mercedes have decided on auto only for their MP the Cali should follow suit.
When it comes out in the wash I think VW will have done themselves considerable damage.
I understand the frustration and anger but until VW condescend to talk we and the dealers are in the dark. Disgraceful!

 

[Jay586]

Although our manual has apparently been built as a DSG to get it through this legislation issue which is very disappointing for us, we have at least been told it is in the UK and is available for registration and delivery when we are ready, which is an encouraging sign something is moving....if it can be believed.
I will call the dealer again tomorrow to clarify this as the contradictory information coming from the dealerships and zero information from Volkswagen is appalling.

I know people love the dsg but I'd want what I'd ordered personally.

 

[WelshGas]

More guesses and lack of real information.
If the manual version is still selling as a Transporter and Kombi then guess what. It is the same engine and adblue components. As for emissions you have to query what is the difference between the Kombi and California as a loaded Transporter is easily as heavy if not more.
It may be that VW think as Mercedes have decided on auto only for their MP the Cali should follow suit.
When it comes out in the wash I think VW will have done themselves considerable damage.
I understand the frustration and anger but until VW condescend to talk we and the dealers are in the dark. Disgraceful!

Different Enviromental Regulations for Commercial, N1, classified vehicles compared with M1 Passenger Vehicles.

 

[Digger]

Different Enviromental Regulations for Commercial, N1, classified vehicles compared with M1 Passenger Vehicles.

Agree as the emission tables are on line. My concern is have VW manipulated figures based on who knows what when the same engine in the N1 category should surely produce the same emissions. What exactly makes the engine in the Transporter any different to the engine if the M1 category? Or am I missing something.

 

[B J G]

Agree as the emission tables are on line. My concern is have VW manipulated figures based on who knows what when the same engine in the N1 category should surely produce the same emissions. What exactly makes the engine in the Transporter any different to the engine if the M1 category? Or am I missing something.

Engine is the same it's the vehicle type that has different emission limit figures. M1 (Cali) is lower than N1 (Vans)
I know, makes a lot of sense that vans can pollute more than people carrying transport.

 

[Digger]

Engine is the same it's the vehicle type that has different emission limit figures.
I know, makes a lot of sense that vans can pollute more than people carrying transport.

Totally agree. Maybe I am not explaining my point. What made VW show differing output of emissions for the M1 vehicles when the same engine in the Transporter N1 had a higher figure. If same components and engine how did they manage to manipulate the data? Surely they should put out the same pollutants (ignoring the tables of permitted emissions) That is my question.

 

[Loz]

Its not what the engine puts out its what they are trying to classify it as..

 

[Digger]

Its not what the engine puts out its what they are trying to classify it as..

Thanks Loz but does that mean they reclassify the Cali as N1 or just change the pollution levels to increase the tax bands and make the Cali less desirable?