After submitting its Findings, outlines and observations on EA 189 diesel engines to the ARAI (Automotive research association of India), Ministry of heavy industries and Indian government, Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall of 3, 23,700 units in India that were carrying defeat device aka cheat software use to reduce the emission levels during the test.
The recall will apply on the units manufactured from 2008 till November 2015, Out of 3, 23,700 vehicles, approximately 198,500 cars from Volkswagen, 88,700 cars from ŠKODA and 36,500 cars from Audi equipped with EA 189 diesel engines which include 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines. These engines can be the part of Audi A3, Q3, Q4, Passat, Polo, Vento, Yeti, Superb, Laura, Vento etc.
VW Group has already presented the technical solution to Ministry of Heavy Industries and ARAI and once approved from the able authorities, the sub brands of the Volkswagen Group in India will carry out needed actions in a step-wise manner. The final decision is to come out after VW representatives will meet the government officials this week.
On the other hand, NGT (National Green Tribunal) who recently plea seeking ban on 10 years old diesel vehicles in the country now asked a ban on production and sale of VW’s cars in India for breaching emission norms and asked them to reply by 23rd December 2015.
Around 11 million VW cars have been recalled around the globe for the same issue and fine of up to $18 billion in the US and $12.31 million in South Korea have already been imposed. Till now over 13.25 lakh vehicles have been recalled by various car manufacturers in India since Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) initiated a voluntary policy in July 2012. As a result of VW dieselgate scandal ARAI might extend the radar of investigation to other car manufacturers as well.
