April 23, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Scandal-hit Audi Volkswagen Korea’s recall plan, affecting 125,000 diesel cars fitted with emissions-rigging software devices, could be delayed to next year as the automaker needs more time to submit the regulatory documents.

The deadline to submit supplement documents to the Ministry of Environment was on Dec. 14, but the automaker has requested to push back the due date, according to the company on Dec. 16. 

“We needed more time to prepare for the requested materials,” an Audi Volkswagen Korea official said, while declining to further comment on the specific time frame. “We are almost wrapping up the plan. The documents will be submitted as soon as possible.”

In October, Audi Volkswagen Korea submitted its fourth recall plan to the Environment Ministry, following its three failed attempts in January, March and June, due to insufficient data and for not admitting the use of the cheat software device.

In the latest plan, the company had admitted it fabricated the emissions tests, saying they “installed the software that operates in two different modes depending on the driving condition.”

Earlier this month, however, the ministry asked for two additional documents from the automaker. It requested the automaker to come up with plans to secure 85 percent of recall rate within 18 months after the initial order, and to verify the technological problems regarding the fuel pressure of the vehicles.

The ministry had earlier vowed to make the recall decision by end of this year. However, industry watchers say the recall order faces further delay -- even up to next year -- as there will not be enough time for the authorities to go through the files.

The prolonged delay is causing fury among the car owners here. A number of affected owners are suing the automaker, requesting a total cash refund rather than a recall.

The delayed recall is dragging Audi Volkswagen Korea’s move to receive recertification from the South Korean government to resume sales here. In August, the automaker had to halt sales of 80 models of Audi, Volkswagen and Bentley vehicles for cheating on emissions and noise level test.

Volkswagen did not sell any cars here in November, the first time since the automaker entered the country in 2005.



By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)