Govt demands info on Aus cars in VW saga

The federal government has requested urgent clarification on whether any Australian cars have been caught up in the Volkswagen emissions device saga.

The government wants clarification on whether any local cars are caught up in the Volkswagen saga. (AAP)

The federal government wants urgent clarification from Volkswagen Australia and Audi Australia on whether local vehicles were fitted with devices to fudge their emitted pollution.

Amid the global saga, in which 11 million diesel cars were fitted with the devices that make them perform better in emissions testing than on the road, the government is demanding to know if 50,000 local cars are involved.

Minister for Local Government Paul Fletcher said in a statement he expected advice from the car manufacturers shortly and would then determine if a recall of vehicles was necessary.

"Volkswagen Group Australia is still awaiting details with regards to our market and specifically which models may be affected," the local branch of the car maker said in a statement.