2021 Audi/VW Bolt Part Return: Special Notice SM 44-2021

What is Special Notice SM 44-2021?

Special Notice SM 44-2021 is a Parts Circular issued by Audi and Volkswagen on June 2nd, 2021. This notice serves as an internal communication to dealerships, specifically targeting Parts Managers and Inventory personnel. Its primary goal is to manage inventory levels and ensure that dealers receive proper credit for certain parts.

The notice focuses on the return of specific material numbers to the Parts Distribution Center (PDC). This helps maintain an accurate and efficient parts supply chain for vehicles like the 2021 Audi A6, ensuring that the correct components are available when needed.

Affected Parts and Deadline

This Special Notice, identified as SM 44-2021, specifically concerns the return of the WHT-005-227 (Bolt). Dealers are instructed to return any inventory of this particular bolt to their facing PDC. The deadline for these returns is critical: no later than June 24, 2021.

Timely return of these parts is essential for dealers to promptly receive credit. It also contributes to improving the overall level of parts available to customers by streamlining inventory.

Dealer Return Procedure Summary

To ensure a smooth return process and receive credit, dealers must follow a specific five-step claims procedure outlined in Special Notice SM 44-2021:

1. File a Claim: Dealers must file a separate "Claim with Return". When doing so, they should select "DIr Sup. Req. Return" under the item type and include the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number in their dealer comments.
2. Review Delivery List: The day after filing the claim, dealers need to review their Parts On Command for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays should be addressed by contacting their facing PDC.
3. Enter Delivery Document Number: The 40000XXXXX delivery document number must be entered onto a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label".
4. Affix Return Label: The "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label" must be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include Delivery Document: One copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s) inside the package.

Important Warnings for Dealers

This Special Notice includes critical advisories regarding the return process:

• "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback."
• "Please re-order required new materials using the same part number."

These warnings emphasize the strict deadline and the need for dealers to re-order new materials for future service needs, ensuring that the supply chain remains uninterrupted for components like the Audi A6 WHT-005-227 bolt.

What This Means for Owners

While Special Notice SM 44-2021 is an internal dealer communication, it indirectly benefits owners of vehicles like the 2021 Audi A6, Audi R8, Volkswagen Golf, and other affected models. By ensuring proper inventory management and the timely return of specific parts like the WHT-005-227 bolt, manufacturers can maintain an accurate stock of components. This helps ensure that when a part is needed for service or repair, the correct and most up-to-date version is available.

This notice does not indicate a defect or a recall for the WHT-005-227 bolt. Instead, it is a standard administrative process to optimize parts inventory and logistics within the dealership network.

NHTSA ID Number: 10197662