Volkswagen believes its cars not fitted with 'defeat device' in India

The Government of India has hauled up Volkswagen Group India for the EA 189 engines scandal which recently rocked the American and European markets. On December 1, 2015 the company announced the recall of 3,23,700 diesel cars in India. This is one of the largest recalls by an OEM in India. The recall will affect cars from Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi. Based on initial findings the government has indicated that the cars with EA 189 engines in India have been fitted with the defeat device. The cars affected are the ones fitted with the 1.2L, 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L engines.

On December 3, 2015 Volkswagen Group India issued a statement to the press which indicated that they have presented their observations, findings and solutions for the EA 189 engines to the Government of India and ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). Furthermore the statement indicated that the company did not believe that its cars are equipped with a ‘defeat device’. The statement also read that the after conducting tests in the presence of ARAI the cars under the brand names of Volkswagen, SKODA and Audi are not violating the Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission norms.  

In order to come to a common conclusion on this subject further meetings will be held with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. In the statement issued to the press the company has also indicated that the recall for all cars with the EA189 engines is a voluntary move to bring them in line with the latest technical updates announced by Volkswagen AG for the European market. Volkswagen Group India has presented a time line to authorities in which it will implement technical updates to the affected vehicles. The 2.0L engine will get a software update while the 1.5L and 1.6L engines will be fitted with a flow transformer in front of the air mass sensor and get a software update as well. The company is yet to announce the measures to be taken for the 1.2L engines.

The company has stated that it expects the first solutions to be implemented from the first quarter of 2016 and will conduct the operation in a phased manner. The customers affected will be informed directly by the respective brands and will not be charged for any technical measures being implemented. Furthermore the company has claimed it will continue to production and sale of cars with the EA 189 engines in India and will not deviate from its future plans, investments and launches in the country.