Volkswagen New Zealand is working through customer records, so it can advise buyers who may be caught up in the emissions scandal.

4649 vehicles have been identified as being affected by the emissions-cheating software, which dates back to 2009.

The company has been criticised for not moving fast enough.

But New Zealand general manager Tom Ruddenklau said his divisions delayed publication of the link to ensure as many models as possible were included on the database.

"I think that criticism is just fine, you know if we haven't been quick enough we have to take the rap for that."

"The really important point from here is what the solution is going to be, but we're trying our hardest."

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