Volkswagen declines using “defeat device” in India

In a meeting with regulators Thursday, officials from Volkswagen and its Audi luxury unit said a greater number of vehicles are equipped with the software, the EPA said. Once the technical solution proposed by the company is approved by competent authorities, the automaker will carry out necessary fix at no cost to the customers.

When asked if Volkswagen India would be asked to halt sale of its diesel cars, Sharma said that the matter has been referred to the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH). All the concerned customers will be informed about the technical measures to be implemented in their cars by the respective brands.

In a release on Tuesday the heavy industries ministry had said, “Based on the initial findings, there is indication that the diesel vehicles fitted with E189 engine and manufactured in India by Volkswagen Group of companies are fitted with the defeat device”.

The recall includes 198,500 cars from Volkswagen, 88,700 cars from Skoda and 36,500 cars from Audi across various models sold in India equipped with the EA 189 engines which include 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels, according to a statement by the carmaker. The existing software does not affect the handling, technical safety or the roadworthiness of the auto.

“Volkswagen Group India remains fully committed to the Indian market and will not deviate from its future planned investments, product plans and launches”. While sales of its Chrysler and Dodge cars fell in November, the company’s Jeep division had a 20 percent gain.

Last month the auto maker was issued notice by the Indian government over the alleged charges of fudging the emission norms, as it has done in the US. “The most unfortunate aspect of this whole situation for Volkswagen is they have to start the healing process and the repairing process for their brand, and you can’t do that while the scandal is still growing”, said veteran automotive analyst Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book. They welcomed the heavy industry ministry’s move to revalidate diesel passenger cars for emission standards, saying that it would bolster consumer confidence.

Volkswagen’s independently owned local franchise is waiting for confirmation that remedial measures proposed in Europe for diesel vehicles fitted with emission-cheating software will not reduce their performance or fuel efficiency.