Volkswagen backtracks on its 'defeat device' statement

The company said it would initiate the recall process in the first quarter of next calendar year.

Two days after agreeing to recall 323,700 vehicles, German car maker Volkswagen on Thursday claimed these cars were not fitted with a ‘defeat device’ and the ‘voluntary recall’ of cars with EA 189 engines in India has been done to “be in line with the latest technical updates”.

It has also stated that the tested vehicles of Volkswagen and other group brands like Skoda and Audi do not violate the prevalent emission norms.

The company said it would initiate the recall process in the first quarter of next calendar year.

“Volkswagen Group India has presented its observations, findings and outlines of possible solutions on the EA 189 engines to the government of India and Automotive Research Association of India.

"Volkswagen Group India has intimated why it believes its cars are not equipped with a defeat device,” the company said in a statement.

It said it would hold further meetings with the ministry of road transport and highways to come to a common conclusion on this topic.

Volkswagen is contesting the statement made by G M Siddeshwara, the minister of state in the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

“Based on the initial findings (of ARAI), there is indication that the diesel vehicles fitted with EA 189 engine and manufactured in India by Volkswagen Group of companies are fitted with 'the defeat device'. Fitment of such a device may lead to excess NOx emissions on road,” the minister had said in a written reply.

ARAI had found the samples of Volkswagen group vehicles to emit five-nine times more NOx compared to the emission during laboratory testing. The minister had also pointed to the possible violation of using defeat device to meet regulatory emission test cycle in the lab.

Volkswagen said the 2-litre engines would get a software update.

In the 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre engines, a ‘flow transformer’ will be fitted in front of the air mass sensor.

In addition, a software update will be performed on these engines. The company will announce the measure for the 1.2-litre engines shortly.

All the customers will be informed directly by the respective brands.