Volkswagen Australia is in the dark about its connection to the environmental scandal that has engulfed the US arm of the German auto giant. 
The local arm is awaiting official clarification from its head office in Germany to ascertain whether Australian vehicles have been affected. The Federal Government is also considering its next move regarding the scandal and said it was closely monitoring developments in the US.
Volkswagen's international reputation was left in tatters on Tuesday as the fallout continued from the company's conspiring to violate US pollution laws.
Volkswagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling would say only: "We have approached head office for clarification and we're awaiting feedback".
It is not yet known whether Australia-specification vehicles are fitted with the same software designed to evade standards for reducing smog. The vehicles cited in the US scandal - including four-cylinder turbocharged diesel versions of the Golf and Passat - are among the most popular variants of the German carmaker's range in Australia.
What's not yet known is whether Volkswagen has tried to flout less stringent pollution laws in Australia. The Department of Infrastructure said it was monitoring developments in the US and was waiting to hear of any potential implications for Australia.
The Australian Environmental Protection Agency declined to comment.