“Volkswagen does not comply with India’s emission norms and the government will propose further action on the issue after getting a reply from the German firm,” Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete said on Thursday.
The comment comes a day after the company apologised for making “big mistakes,” but claimed that it met emission norms in India.
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“They [Volkswagen] do not comply to the emission norms,” Mr. Geete told reporters at the sidelines of the Auto Expo here, after visiting the Volkswagen stall at the Auto Expo.
When asked about the nature of action, Mr. Geete said the government would decide on further action in the case after getting the company’s written response.
“We have already asked them to recall vehicles. When we get their response in writing, we will propose further action,” he said.
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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board Member for sales and marketing Jurgen Stackmann had on Wednesday apologised for the emission issue in India but reiterated that its cars follow the country’s norms and the recall of over 3 lakh vehicles is a voluntary step taken by the company.
I am truly sorry for that: Stackmann
“Volkswagen made some big mistakes. I am truly sorry for that. And I assure you we are committed to making things right... We have examined the issue very carefully under the observation of the authorities. And we came to the conclusion that our cars fully comply with Indian emission standards,” Mr. Stackmann had said.
He had said he “is apologising” on the behalf of the brand for the inconvenience and uncertainty that it might have caused in the country.
“Nevertheless because we believe there is a fine difference between being legal and compliant and actually we are gaining trust of consumers that we started voluntary recall...to give them same upgrade that we do in Europe,” he said.
Plan to update engines
Volkswagen plans to update the engines of over 3 lakh vehicles that it recalled in India after a government-ordered probe found it using diesel engines equipped with a defeat device which help cheat emission tests.
In India the Volkswagen has announced to recall 3,23,700 lakh vehicles across its three brands — Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen.
The recall covers cars sold from 2008 till end of November 2015 in India. It encompasses cars from the Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda model range which carry the software that requires to be updated.
Admitted to use of defeat device
VW has admitted to use of defeat device in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets that allowed manipulation of emissions tests by changing the performance of the vehicles to improve results.
As per latest reports, the company could face fine of up to $90 billion in the U.S. following a lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice.