German auto major Volkswagen will recall 3.23 lakh vehicles across the country.
The decision comes after a government-ordered probe found that the company had cheated its way through emission tests in India. “The company will voluntarily recall 3.23 lakh vehicles which have been fitted with E189 engines that are equipped with the defeat device,” a senior government official said.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that diesel cars manufactured in India by Volkswagen with the E189 engine were fitted with the “defeat device”, which may lead to excess nitrogen oxide emission levels in on-road vehicles.
Volkswagen had earlier accepted that 11 million vehicles were fitted with the same software worldwide and had to face a fine of $18 billion in the US.
A meeting was held between Volkswagen and officials of the Department of Heavy Industries after the submission of ARAI’s report. VW declined to comment and said that a statement will be issued.
So far 13.25 lakh vehicles have been recalled in India.