On the one hand while
Volkswagen is facing tremendous pressure coupled with major embarrassment on
the global front because of the software fudging leading to tinkering with
diesel engine emissions in their cars, on the other hand the company is
beginning to get the stick from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
ARAI is in the process of
issuing a show cause notice to the German company in India after the testing
agency found that its diesel models have been emitting more than expected
nitrogen oxide (NOx). Samples of the Volkswagen India diesel vehicles tested by
ARAI were found to be emitting upto nine times more NOx compared to the levels
tested during the approval stage.
Pune (Maharashtra) based ARAI
is a research association of the automotive industry with Ministry of Heavy Industries
and Public Enterprises, Government of India. It plays a crucial role in
assuring safe, less polluting and more efficient vehicles. The research and
testing body provides technical expertise in R&D testing, certification,
homologation and framing of vehicle regulations.
The agency apparently tested
11 Volkswagen cars and discovered the diversion in emission ranging from five
times to nine times compared to the tests done during the prototype approval
stage in the laboratory.
Volkswagen India issued a
similar press statement made a few days back and maintained that the “Volkswagen
Group India representatives had met Government of India – Ministry of Heavy
Industries and ARAI on 29th October 2015. It was agreed with the Government of
India that Volkswagen Group India will present its results from the evaluations
regarding the diesel engine emissions topic by the end of November 2015. The
next steps would depend on the findings from these evaluations. Volkswagen
Group India confirms that it has received a notice from ARAI and will
respond to the same by 30th November 2015. Volkswagen Group
India will continue to fully co-operate with the Government of India in this
matter.”
Read Earlier Reports:
Volkswagen India statement on ARAI involvement
Another 800,000 VW cars involved in diesel emission
irregularities
More trouble for Volkswagen as EPA issues 2nd notice
German transport authority gives Volkswagen timetable for
global recalls