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Emissions scandal: Would you accept a R14 000 VW 'gift'?

Texas - Volkswagen said on Monday it's offering a goodwill package to current owners of its 2.0 litre diesels in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Volkswagen acknowledged in September 2015 that its vehicles don't meet US emissions standards  and contain software that allowed them to cheat emissions tests.

In the US, the offer is available to 482 000 owners.

VW's goodwill package: Top 7 questions answered

1 What is the automaker offering?

Volkswagen and Audi will give owners a $500 Visa gift card, a $500 dealership card and free 24-hour roadside assistance for three years.

2 Who is eligible?

People who own one of the 482 000 affected vehicles in the US as of November 8 are eligible.

Affected models are 2.0 litre turbo diesel versions of the following:

2009 - 2015 Jetta
2009 - 2014 Jetta SportWagen
2010 - 2015 Golf
2015 Golf SportWagen
2012 - 2015 Beetle and Beetle convertible
2012 - 2015 Passat

The 2009 - 2013 and 2015 Audi A3 is also affected

3 How does it work?

Volkswagen will notify owners starting Monday; Audi will launch its program Friday. Owners can check online  to see if their car is eligible and sign up for the offer.

Once the gift cards arrive, in approximately four weeks, they must be taken to a dealership to be activated. Owners must register for the offer by April 30.

4 Does this replace loyalty offers?

No. Volkswagen is still offering a $2000 loyalty bonus for customers who trade in affected diesels, among other incentives.

5 Can owners use the dealer gift card to get repair affected systems?

No. Volkswagen is still figuring out how to repair all the affected vehicles. The gift card can be used for other things, like a down payment on a new car, an oil change or a set of tires.

6 Can owners who accept the offer still sue Volkswagen?

In short, yes, reports Associated Press.

7 Why aren't owners of other diesel models included in this offer?

The US government last week said Volkswagen's larger, six-cylinder diesels - used in VW and Audi SUVs - also cheated on emissions tests. The automaker is still meeting with the government to figure out what test procedures were used.

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