Long oil change intervals, along with "permanent" automatic transmission fluid have to do with European environmental restrictions - not engine duration (think carbon foot print).
I read a good link about it when I was changing the transmission valve body in our Touareg. No way in hell does auto trans fluid go forever. By claiming the fluids don't need to be changed, it allows them to pollute more in other ways and get a pass.
I'll see if I can find a credible source.
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