New Testing Rules May Delay the Release of New Cars

It is important that vehicles be carefully tested for problems or for defects before the cars are brought to the marketplace and sold to consumers. Otherwise, motorists could end up with a car that has lots of problems. If a car buyer does purchase a new car that turns out to have serious issues, contacting a San Diego lemon law attorney for advice and assistance pursuing a remedy is a smart course of action.

While testing is important, CNBC is warning that Volkswagen has indicated as many as 259,000 cars could be delayed due to new testing rules. This means drivers who are looking for new Volkswagen vehicles could find themselves without new car models to buy due to the delay.

New Cars Could be Delayed Due to Added Testing Requirements

According to CNBC, Volkswagen is indicating that the delay in the production and release of the company's new vehicle models is caused by the effects of mandatory testing that is designed to determine how efficient the vehicles are and what type of fuel economy the cars have.

Volkswagen indicates that it is a new policy to conduct this type of test on every vehicle. The mandatory lab testing is being prompted by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty (WLTP) Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a procedure that will go into effect on September 1.

The WLTP tests require more complex exhaust emissions testing and new cars will not be able to be sold after September 1 unless there is a fuel consumption reading on the vehicle and the new CO2 test has been passed. Volkswagen and other car makers are rushing to get their vehicles through the new testing requirements so there is no delay in selling vehicles, but CNBC indicates there is a bottleneck that is jeopardizing the ability of car manufacturers to get their vehicles through the testing project.

Volkswagen estimates that as many as 200,000 to 250,000 cars could end up being built later than expected in the second half of 2018. This could impact vehicle sales and Porsche, which is the second-largest contributor to the profits of the Volkswagen group, has also indicated that it will be temporarily limiting the number of models that it is able to sell in Europe.

Volkswagen is also indicated that the car manufacturer will be halting production at the car company's main plant on certain days of the week in both August and September because Volkswagen will only be building models that meet new standards.

When cars are delayed coming to market, this can affect the supply available to consumers and supply may not meet demand. If this becomes a widespread issue as car manufacturers struggle to comply with new testing procedures and must suspend production or alter production processes, then prices of new vehicles could potentially rise due to too little supply to meet demand.

Car buyers should be aware that there may be issues accessing new vehicle models and should plan accordingly. Car buyers also need to know their rights if the cars they buy turn out to have defects and should contact a San Diego lemon law attorney for help when problems arise.