Volkswagen To Recall 1.9 Lakh Cars In India From July

Wolfsburg: After multiple recalls in the US, Europe and other global markets pertaining to the ‘Dieselgate Scandal’, Volkswagen has finally announced a massive recall in India as well. The company has said that it will be recalling 1.90 lakh cars sold in India, starting July 2016. Volkswagen has clarified that this is purely a voluntary recall to fix the emission software, as the company is not facing any charges in India for the emission scandal.

As per EXIN Time’s knowledge, last year in September 2015, German auto giant, Volkswagen admitted to have manipulated the engines of around 11 million diesel cars, including its VW, Audi, Porsche, Skoda and Seat brands. The company used an emission test cheating software, which was incidentally developed by Audi to cheat emission tests. The emission scandal first broke out in the US and the company is still undergoing investigation over there for its act.

The effect of this revelation took a huge toll on Volkswagen sales volume in India, in fact it was even alleged that the company is considering lay-offs at its Pune plant. Volkswagen India’s head of marketing Kamal Basu told PTI that starting from July this massive recall process will continue for over a period of ten months. He said that, “Since recall was done in the US to fix the emission software, the company decided to do also the same in India to keep updated with the changes made outside.” He even emphasised on the fact that this recall in voluntary in nature and Volkswagen customers will be explained about this in the communication would be sent starting next month.

Basu even added that Volkswagen has complied with all the emission norms in India, compliant with Bharat Stage IV standards. That said the company also need approval of the regulator for the recall. The company is yet to reveal more details about the recall, as to which cars will be affected and how long it will take to fix the problem once it reaches the service centre among other. Apart from the new Volkswagen Beetle, rest all models in the company's India line-up come with the option of a diesel engine.