Audi Volkswagen Korea to introduce new model here after diesel gate
Audi A7 55 TDI Quattro sedan / Courtesy of Audi
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Audi Volkswagen Korea (AVK), the German carmaker’s sales unit here, is expected to introduce a new model soon, after the emissions scandal erupted in September.
According to sources, the Audi A7 55 TDI Quattro Premium sedan has been approved in emissions and noise with the Ministry of Environment, and is in the registration process for its specification with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The registration process is believed to be almost complete, so the model is expected to be on the market by the end of this month or early next month.
It has been more than six months since AVK applied for sales approval last June, and the A7 55 TDI Quattro Premium sedan is the first model for AVK to receive sales approval from the government since the “diesel gate” emissions scandal.
Following the A7 55 TDI Quattro Premium, AVK expects more models to receive sales approval.
“It is a good sign that it could be the beginning for approvals of other Audi and Volkswagen models,” an AVK official said. “This week, the government also approved AVK’s proposal for recalling 27,000 Tiguan sports utility vehicles (SUVs).”
The Ministry of Environment said Tuesday that Volkswagen Korea's proposal to recall two Tiguan SUV models had met the nation's emissions standards and fuel efficiency. Under the approval, some 27,000 Tiguan SUVs will be recalled. The ministry also asked Volkswagen Korea to satisfy the 85 percent recall rate, the same recall rate executed in the U.S.
The government ordered the German carmaker's sales unit in Korea to make a recall in November 2015 after Volkswagen admitted to cheating emissions tests around the world.
The environment ministry requested the carmaker submit its plan to recall a total of 125,522 affected vehicles, but Volkswagen Korea’s plan was rejected three times for being insincere.
In August, the Ministry of Environment banned sales of 80 Volkswagen and Audi models and fined the company 17.8 billion won ($16 million).