Volkswagen Australia has confirmed 77,149 Australian vehicles were fitted with emissions-rigging "defeat devices" that make cars perform better in emissions testing, including Skoda and Volkswagen models. Owners can check whether their car has the affected EA 189 diesel engines on relevant brand websites, Volkswagen said. "We are doing everything possible to fix the problem and will be making further announcements in the near future," the company said. "It is important for customers to note that all affected vehicles remain technically safe and driveable and that we will contact them in time to advise what the next steps are." Around 54,745 passenger vehicles including Golf (2009-2013) and Polo (2009-2014) have the defeat devices installed as well as 17,256 Volkswagen commercial vehicles and 5148 Skoda cars. Volkswagen's chief executive Matthias Mueller told a German newspaper the company would launch a recall for affected cars in   January and complete the fix by the end of next year.