Volkswagen Goodwill Package Offers U.S. Diesel Owners $1,000, Three Years Free Roadside Assistance

In the wake of the scandal, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stepped down, the number of affected vehicles swelled to over 11 million worldwide, and resale value for affected TDI vehicles in the U.S. have plummeted (even gasoline-engine Volkswagens have been affected by somewhat lower resale values).

Although details of a “Goodwill Package” for affected TDI owners were leaked over the weekend, Volkswagen today officially announced the program. The details are largely in line with what we originally reported, and actually include one bonus that wasn’t previously reported.

Customers who sign up for the Goodwill Package will receive a $500 Prepaid Visa Loyalty Card which can be used anywhere that Visa is accepted. The second item in the package is a $500 Volkswagen Dealership Card, which can be used at any participating Volkswagen dealership (the previous report originally pegged the value at $500 to $750). The final item in the package is an additional three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

“Over the past several weeks, we've apologized to our loyal customers about the 2.0L TDI emissions issue. As we work tirelessly to develop a remedy, we ask for your continued patience,” said Volkswagen in its press release announcing the Goodwill Package. “We sincerely hope you see this as a first step toward restoring your invaluable trust.”

It’s unlikely that Volkswagen will be able to regain the loyalty of every single customer affected by #DieselGate, but $1,000 and free roadside assistance is a nice gesture towards customers. Now if only it could do something about the tanking resale values of TDIs…