VW SET TO PROPOSE EMISSIONS FIX IN OCT.

Automaker hasn’t said if it will offer compensation

Volkswagen said in October it will propose a fix to the diesel cars it rigged with manipulative software to fool regulators into believing the vehicles were compliant with emissions regulations.

The automaker said “in the near future” it will begin notifying owners of the 11 million vehicles affected by the software, which causes the cars to emit harmful pollutants at rates of up to 40 times U. S. standards.

The company did not provide information on how long it expects the fix to take or whether it plans to offer compensation to vehicle owners. The process is complicated by the fact government regulators will have to approve any proposed fix.

It’s unclear how the fix will affect the fuel economy and general performance of the cars involved in the scandal, though some industry experts expect the cars’ fuel economy ratings to fall.

For now, car owners can find some information at VWdieselinfo. com or by calling 800- 822- 8987.

In the U. S., the deceptive software affects the 4- cylinder diesel versions of the 2009- 15 Jetta TDI, 2009- 14 Jetta SportWagen TDI, 2010- 15 Golf TDI, 2012- 15 Beetle TDI, 2012- 15 Beetle Convertible TDI and 201215 Passat TDI.

The scandal erupted Sept. 18, when the Environmental Protection Agency exposed the so- called defeat device after researchers at the International Council on Clean Transportation and West Virginia University discovered the violations.

Volkswagen admitted to installing the software in a stunning acknowledgment that toppled CEO Martin Winterkorn and triggered numerous lawsuits and government investigations. Volkswagen’s stock has lost more than a third of its value since the episode started.

JOHN G. MABANGLO, EPA VW has set aside more than $ 7 billion to pay for repairs, fines and lawsuits.