Volkswagen aims to rebound after recall fiasco
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Audi Volkswagen Korea (AVK), the German carmaker's sales unit here, is expected soon to submit its recall plan for the CC mid-size sedans after its recall plan for 27,000 Tiguan sports utility vehicles (SUVs) was approved last week.
After finishing the recalls, the company is aiming for a rebound in sales this year.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Thursday, AVK is discussing with the ministry the company’s plan to recall 15,000 CC sedans.
“AVK said it will soon submit its plan to recall 15,000 CC sedans,” an environment ministry official said.
“Most of the recall plan has already been reviewed. The software program that was used in fabricating its emissions level is expected to be carefully scrutinized. The same parts used in the Tiguan SUV model will be briefly investigated, but other parts will be closely tested.”
The recall plan for the CC sedan is projected to be approved next month, and the ministry plans to review AVK’s plans for other affected models.
The recall of the 27,000 Tiguan SUVs will start on Feb. 6, and the remaining 99,000 affected cars with the problematic EA189 engine are expected to be categorized into five groups depending on displacements and engine output.
An AVK official said the company would apply for sales approval for banned models after carrying out the recall of the 125,522 affected vehicles. The government banned the sales of 80 Volkswagen and Audi vehicle models and fined the company 17.8 billion won ($16 million) last July after rejecting the recall proposal by the German carmaker's Korean sales unit three times.
“I hope AVK will be able to sell thus-far banned models as soon as possible,” the AVK official said. “But before that, we are aware that we have to complete the recall procedures.
“The Audi A7 55 TDI Quattro Premium sedan got the green light here last week, which we hope will give momentum to a return to the Korean market.”
The Audi A7 55 TDI Quattro Premium sedan was not among the affected cars, and is the first model for which AVK has received sales approval since the "diesel gate" emissions scandal.
Experts said the ministry’s approval for the remaining recall plans should not take long.
“If the recalls of the Tiguan SUVs proceed without big hitches, there are not many other issues for AVK,” an industry insider said.
“I think AVK will start to market its automobiles this year as soon as it gets the go-ahead.”