Auto testing agency asked to give probe report by Sept 30

Days after the US ordered a probe into German carmaker Volkswagen for allegedly flouting emission norms, the heavy industries ministry has asked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to investigate any possible violations of norms and give a report by the end of September.

Volkswagen is now facing investigations in the US, South Korea, France, Italy, Canada, Germany and the UK. Australia has said it is monitoring the situation. If wrongdoing is proven in India, Volkswagen might have to face criminal proceedings, fines and recall of vehicles, a top official said on Friday.

Union heavy industries minister Anant Geete said the emission norms in the country are different compared with others.
 

ARAI provides technical expertise in research and development, testing, certification, homologation and framing of vehicle regulations.

The German car maker is facing up to $18 billion in fines in the US over allegations of cheating on pollution tests. The US probe came after the company recalled 11 million units sold since 2006.

The company admitted that many of its diesel cars were fitted with software that can cheat pollution tests.

Volkswagen Group sells Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and Škoda vehicles, and Lamborghini. Volkswagen has a manufacturing plant in Pune with a capacity to produce 1,30,000 vehicles a year.

"We have sought details from Volkswagen and are awaiting their response," ARAI Director Rashmi Urdhwareshe told PTI. When asked if the agency would pick random samples to test, she said: "We are yet to decide on that." When contacted, a Volkswagen India spokesperson declined to comment stating "the investigations are still running".