Notice to Volkswagen over variation in emission levels

The government on Wednesday issued a notice to German car major Volkswagen seeking its reply after testing agency ARAI found “significant variations” in on-road emission levels in the diesel models of Jetta, Octavia, Audi A4 and Audi A6.

“ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) has found significant variations in the emission level in on-road vehicles as compared to the laboratory measurements. We issued a notice to Volkswagen Group of companies to give technical inputs and explain their position,” said Ambuj Sharma, additional secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries.

The government will take future course of action based on the company’s reply, he added.

Volkswagen India sells Jetta model, while Octavia and Audi A4 and A6 models are retailed by Skoda and Audi, respectively. Both Audi and Skoda brands are owned by the Volkswagen group. ARAI, an apex testing agency under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, provides technical expertise in R&D, testing, certification and framing of vehicle regulations.

The government tested the emission standard of the cars after a manipulation scandal hit the German auto major in the US and several other countries. The ARAI report was submitted on Tuesday.

ARAI director Rashmi Urdhwareshe told Deccan Herald: “We had tested the exhaust in Volkswagen’s on-road vehicles and found a significant difference in emission levels in comparison to the laboratory measurements. Significant variation has been found in models, including Jetta, Octavia, Audi A4 and Audi A6 in particular.”

If wrongdoing is proved, the world's largest car-maker may have to face criminal proceedings, fine and recall of vehicles, Sharma had said earlier.