Audi Engines Implicated in Emissions Scandal

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment said that a two-month of investigation into several models made by Volkswagen and its Audi unit showed the vehicles used the illegal “defeat device” software programmed to cheat on emissions tests.

The recall is apart from actions involving Volkswagen Group when it comes to 2-liter, four-cylinder diesel engines. The ministry has ordered a recall of more than 125-thousand vehicles equipped with the old engine, while imposing a sales ban on those cars. The affected models include the popular Tiguan model.

Audi is now investigating whether employees in technical development and other departments deliberately manipulated emission-control devices and has suspended two engineers, Stadler said in an interview with the Donaukurier regional newspaper, without giving any further details. It was also the engine of choice for the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne since 2013. The current crisis raises questions about his ability to grasp the complex technology issues in a crisis that is rooted in the company’s engineering culture.

Labor representatives at Audi endorsed Mr. Stadler Thursday, saying he “must continue as chief executive” to lead the internal investigation.

Volkswagen has uncovered yet another software problem affecting its vehicles’ fuel consumption, German media reported Thursday, adding to a massive pollution cheating scandal that has engulfed the auto giant.

Presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the fix applies to EA 189 TDI engines that displace 1.6L and 2.0L. In Germany, it will recall 2.8 million vehicles. Volkswagen Group’s headquarters said it will give $1,000 gift cards, vouchers and three-year free fix service, known as a “good will package”, to each of the 482,000 owners in North America, but Korea and Europe were excluded from the plan.

In addition to Volkswagen and Audi, the manufacturers or dealers that sell diesel cars in South Korea are: Hyundai, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Samsung, Ssangyong, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Peugeot, Ford, Nissan, FCA Korea and Forza Motors Korea, which imports Ferrari cars.