Probe into possible emission test manipulations by Volkswagen in India as it did in the U.S. and other markets has been extended till the end of this month with the government giving more time to testing agency ARAI.
The government had earlier given a week’s time to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) but the agency sought more time to complete its investigation.
“ARAI has commenced the testing of in-use vehicles of VW, Audi and Skoda which will take about four weeks... It will submit a final report by October end on this issue after taking all relevant findings into account,” Additional Secretary Heavy Industries Ministry Ambuj Sharma said.
He further said Volkswagen India has sought detailed technical inputs from its headquarters in Germany which are expected shortly. Cars manufactured by Volkswagen group firms Audi and Skoda, besides the VW branded vehicles, are among over 11 million vehicles globally that were equipped with a software in diesel engines enabling them to cheat during emission tests in the U.S., Europe, South Korea and other markets.
In the U.S., the company faces a fine of up to $18 billion. Models such as Jetta from Volkswagen and Audi A3, which are sold in India too, have been affected by the scandal.
The world’s biggest carmaker by sales has admitted that 11 million diesel cars worldwide were fitted with devices that can switch on pollution controls when they detect the car is undergoing testing.
They then switch off the controls when the car is on the road, allowing it to spew out harmful levels of emissions. Earlier, Mr. Sharma had said that if proved of any wrongdoing in India, Volkswagen may have to face criminal proceedings, fine and recall of vehicles.
