Audi dealers probed by BBC Watchdog

Audi dealers probed by BBC Watchdog over claims

Audi dealers have been investigated by the BBC Watchdog programme for making false claims about the safety testing of some cars in the Audi range.

Undercover researchers in the programme, which is broadcast this evening, found that nine out of 10 Audi dealers falsely claimed the Audi A5 was Euro NCAP safety tested. Six of the dealers claimed the Audi A5 had achieved the maximum five stars.

Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ratings are frequently cited to highlight the safety credentials of vehicles.

Audi UK said there had not been any deliberate intent to mislead.

An Audi spokesman told the BBC: “Audi UK wishes to emphasise that there has not been any deliberate intent to mislead on the part of its customer-facing staff where the Euro NCAP safety test performance of the Audi model range is concerned.”

“Audi vehicles are engineered to exceed international motor vehicle safety standards. The company fully supports Euro NCAP’s efforts to improve vehicle safety.

“We are now aware that our sales and customer service staff must be more conversant with the Euro NCAP safety test register and specifically the Audi models included on it.

“We have already begun a comprehensive and far-reaching review of all of our communications and training procedures to ensure accuracy of information on test data provided to our customers.”

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