April 27, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Audi Volkswagen Korea said on April 6 that about one-fourth of the total number of cars it sells in Korea by 2020 will be electric vehicles.

The announcement comes after the carmaker resumed sales here in November after suspending operations following the notorious emissions cheating scandal.

 

Audi VW Korea Managing Director Reme Koneberg

Volkswagen stopped sales in August 2016 and Audi cars in March 2017.

“We are still managing old issues, but I hope today can be seen as our meaningful first step toward regaining customer trust and recovering our reputation,” said Audi VW Korea Managing Director Reme Koneberg.

To regain customer trust and reputation, the company has implemented many measures including recall of the problematic diesel cars, he said, emphasizing that it has improved its pre-delivery inspection center. After vehicles arrive in Korea, the firm randomly chooses some vehicles and conducts tests to ensure their quality.

Along with improving its service and systems, which are directly related to the emissions scandal, the company also mentioned it plans to expand its portfolio in Korea. The carmaker said it will introduce a total of 40 new models across four of its brands -- Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley and Lamborghini.

Koneberg noted that one of Audi’s e-tron model will likely to become the first EV model to be introduced in Korea.

He also mentioned that the firm will strengthen cooperation with 61 local partner in Korea including POSCO, LG Electronics, LG Chem and Conavis.

Throughout the presentation of the company’s blueprint, Koneberg repeatedly apologized for disappointing Korean customers.

“I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere apology,” he said.

According to the carmaker, 58 percent of the VW Tiguan drivers have finished receiving software updates since it began a recall in February 2017. The recall rate of the nine models that were ordered to be pulled back stood at 44 percent as of March 30.

More recently, Audi VW Korea got the Environment Ministry’s recall approval last month on 125,515 units of vehicles with EA189 engine.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)