Volkswagen offers $1000 gift cards to owners of diesel cars affected by

"We are providing this goodwill package as a first step towards regaining our customers' trust", said Michael Horn, the head of VW's U.S. operations.

The company's investigation led to as many as 40 employees apparently involved in actions of manipulation regarding the emission scandal. This notice alleges Volkswagen developed and installed a defeat device in VW, Audi and Porsche diesel vehicles equipped with 3.0 liter engines for model years 2014 through 2016.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September announced that select Volkswagen's diesel cars have been programmed to rig the numbers in emission tests. "As we work tirelessly to develop a remedy, we ask for your continued patience", Volkswagen said.

As Volkswagen picks up the pieces after the recent diesel emissions scandal, the automaker is offering goodwill compensation to owners of vehicles powered by its 2.0-liter TDI engines. As well, they will have access to three years of roadside support at no extra charge. Both cards must be activated at a VW dealership before they can be used.

Affected owners must register for the package by April 30. As of this writing, at least 200 lawsuits have already been filed against Volkswagen since the scandal surfaced.

Under the programme, approved by VW's top management, workers who get in touch with internal investigators no later than November 30 will be exempt from dismissals, according to a letter from VW brand chief Herbert Diess to staff seen by Reuters.

The company sold about 482,000 of the vehicles with the cheating software.

"I don't think solving it in a retrospective manner like that really changes a whole lot of anything, especially considering the value of those vehicles now is pretty bad", he said.

That's not to say that the Federal Trade Commission won't complain when Volkswagen's fix puts a dent in the fuel economy that buyers were promised. The company also has said up to 11 million vehicles worldwide have the fraudulent software.

Participating customers must bring the cards to a Volkswagen dealership, along with the vehicle, a driver's license and proof of ownership, in order to activate them.