German carmarker Volkswagen on Wednesday started its major recall of vehicles fitted with emissions-cheating software after clearance by the transport authority in the northern city of Flensburg, according to dpa.

First up was VW's Amarok pick-up truck.

"VW is going to inform the owners of these vehicles," the transport authority said. "Clearance for other VW models was still under consideration," it added.

However, VW started its mass recall with an error, beginning to refit cars before official permission had been given, a dpa photo journalist said after observing a refit at a garage in the Hanover region on Wednesday morning.

Overall, VW is planning to recall 2.4 million vehicles in Germany.

While some cars only need to have their software updated, others will need to have a tube and a grid fitted.
The diesel emissions scandal involves up to 11 million vehicles worldwide.