April 19, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Audi Volkswagen Korea has received certification for Q7 SUV from Korean authorities, speeding up the process to launch new cars in the market following the diesel scandal that halted most operations, according to media reports on Aug. 2. 

The Q7 SUV diesel models, that include 45 TDI Quattro and 35 TDI Quattro, have cleared noise level and emissions certification by the Ministry of Environment. Audi’s R8 sports car has also received certification. 

The cars still have to be registered with the Transportation Ministry, but that will not take too long. The exact launch date is undecided, but according to industry sources, the vehicles will be ready to hit the market before the year-end. 

Audi VW Korea was not immediately available to comment on the matter.
If launched, the Q7 diesel SUV will be the first new car to be introduced here by Audi since the emissions-rigging scandal erupted. In August last year, the ministry revoked certification and halted sales of 80 models of Audi, VW and Bentley vehicles, in addition to imposing hefty fines on the local unit for cheating emissions and noise level tests to win sales approval.
VW Group’s high-end marque Bentley already resumed sales in the country in May. The new Bentayga SUV, as well as three models that were recertified -- Flying Spur V8, Continental GT V8 and Continental GT V8 Convertible –- are on the market. 

As for the most popular VW cars, the carmaker hasn’t yet received approval from the ministry. 

The local unit of the German auto group in July applied to receive certification for 12 models -- four VW and eight Audi vehicles -- in an attempt to kick off sales. The cars include Audi’s A4, A6 and A7 sedans, as well as VW’s popular Tiguan crossover and Passat sedan. The ministry is expected to announce its decision in August. 

According to industry sources, the ministry is enforcing rigorous measures for the Tiguan SUV as it is the same model that was found to be fitted with so-called defeat device to cheat on emissions tests.

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