By Lee Hyo-sik
Many Korean customers are furious over Volkswagen’s treatment of them since September when the automaker was found to have installed emissions cheating devices in its cars with diesel engines.
They say they feel betrayed by the German carmaker which they feel has been mistreating and discriminating against customers here compared to customers in other countries.
A 33-year-old office worker in Seoul, surnamed Park, who bought Volkswagen’s popular compact SUV Tiguan in November 2014, is one such angry customer.
“I spent nearly 40 million won to buy the SUV, but it is now on a recall list for removal of the emissions cheating device,” he said. “I am really irritated by the whole thing.”
He said he is really angry with Volkswagen over how it is treating him and other Korean customers.
“They immediately offered a $1,000 voucher and other compensation schemes to their American and Canadian customers, but they have done nothing for us,” he said.
The office worker said he would never buy another car produced by Volkswagen or any other German carmaker. “I just want a full refund for my car, nothing more.”
Like Park, people who bought Volkswagen vehicles are disappointed at how the company has handled the emissions rigging scandal here.
Following government confirmation Thursday that 125,000 vehicles produced and sold here by Volkswagen and its affiliate Audi used emissions-rigging software, more customers are expected to file lawsuits. Subject to the recall order are the Tiguan and Beetle from Volkswagen, and the Q5, Q3 and A4 from Audi.
Over the past two months, hundreds of Volkswagen buyers have lodged lawsuits against the manufacturer and its dealers here, demanding reimbursement and compensation.
Despite the Ministry of Environment’s latest findings, Volkswagen Korea has remained silent about how it would compensate affected customers here. It continues to maintain its initial stance that it will do what the law requires.
“We respect the results of the official investigation of the Ministry of Environment,” Volkswagen Korea said. “We will take necessary measures based on legal procedures and requirements under the relevant laws and regulations. Any details relating to future recalls will be determined after all the technical details necessary for the recall procedure have been confirmed and announced by Volkswagen headquarters.”
The automaker will come under additional pressure to appease Korean customers as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation is set to carry out its own investigation into the emissions-rigging software.
The ministry said it will test the fuel economy of Volkswagen vehicles sold here to check whether they exceed five percent of their claim. If they do, the ministry plans to fine the automaker and take administrative measures.
Founded in 2005, Volkswagen Korea sold 18,635 cars in Korea in its first six months, earning 712.8 billion won. But its sales have plunged since Sept. 18 when the scandal erupted.