German carmaker Volkswagen AG on Oct. 18 launched a diesel swapping program that will provide diesel vehicle owners incentives to switch to a Volkswagen model.

The incentives for Euro-1 to Euro-4 diesel vehicles range between €1,500 and €8,000, depending on the model.

Diesel vehicle owners in the 14 most polluted cities in Germany will be given an exchange premium, paid on top of the old vehicle's residual value for Euro-4 or Euro-5 diesel models. The exchange premium ranges from €500 to €7,000, depending on the vehicle traded in.

The incentives are available across the country and are valid until further notice.

The move is part of the automaker's efforts to help the German government phase out older diesel vehicles and reduce pollution.