Environment Ministry Recalls 125000 Volkswagen Diesel Vehicles

Volkswagen said during a presentation it only needs to install a mesh near the air cleaner in 3 million 1.6-litre EA 189 diesel engines to ensure they comply with European Union emissions rules.

Early in November, German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said all current models sold under the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands – with both diesel and gasoline engines – would be tested for carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.

Hong said the Tiguan diesel’s emissions breached standards when the vehicle was not under the usual test conditions, such as when the air conditioner was on or when the auto accelerated its speed.

Volkswagen should submit its detailed recall plans including how to improve emissions of the cars in question to the ministry by January 6.

A Federal Court judge has berated Volkswagen Australia’s German parent company for obstructing a class action triggered by the global emissions-rigging scandal.

On top of giant fines, the company has set aside a staggering $10 billion for rectification work and compensation claims, but that figure could rise and economic experts warn the catastrophe could be bigger than Greece.

Meanwhile, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) said Wednesday that it had told the Volkswagen Group of America to organize recalls and software repairs of vehicles fitted with larger diesel motors.

The Environment Ministry in Seoul had conducted tests on a number of models apart from the Tiguan, including the Golf, Audi A3, Jetta and Beetle.

The ministry said that it will expand the probe to other automakers to determine whether they have used similar methods to cheat on emissions results.

“We will take necessary measures based on legal procedures and requirements under the relevant laws and regulations”, it said in a statement.

Taking the baton from the environment ministry, the transportation ministry will carry out its own investigation to see if the defeat device installed in those cars could have affected fuel efficiency and safety for passengers.