Probe into Volkswagen India emission standards extended

Probe into possible emission test manipulations by Volkswagen in India, as it did in the US and other markets has been extended till the end of this month, with the government giving more time to testing agency, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The government had earlier given a week's time to ARAI but the agency sought more time to complete its investigation.

"ARAI has commenced the testing of in-use vehicles of Volkswagen, 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 had sought detailed technical inputs, expected shortly, from its headquarters in Germany,.

Cars manufactured by Volkswagen group firms Audi and Skoda, beside the Volkswagen 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 US, Europe, South Korea and other markets. In the US, the company faces 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, Sharma had said that if proved of any wrongdoing in India, Volkswagen may have to face criminal proceedings, fine and recall of vehicles.