South Korea launches probe into VW and Audi diesels after US scandal
Korean environment officials will test 4,000 to 5,000 Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars following the US emissions cheating revelations, with potential for a wider investigation.
South Korea’s environment ministry has begun an investigation into Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles, days after US authorities accused the German carmaker of cheating emissions tests. The move came as Volkswagen admitted to using software to manipulate results for certain diesel engines in the US, a scandal that has already triggered a sharp fall in the company’s share price and prompted a criminal probe.
According to Park Pan-kyu, deputy director at the ministry, South Korean officials will test between 4,000 and 5,000 units of the Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 built in 2014 and 2015. The authorities are focusing on models equipped with the same type of diesel engine implicated in the US investigation. If irregularities are found, the probe could extend to all German diesel vehicles sold in South Korea.
Scope of investigation and possible expansion
The initial focus is on three models, but Park said the ministry could widen its investigation to other German diesels if evidence of manipulation emerges. This could bring brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz under scrutiny, though both companies have stated their vehicles are not affected by the software at the centre of the US case.
The European Commission has opened communications with Volkswagen and US regulators but has not commented on whether European-market vehicles are implicated. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s findings have already led to speculation about the global reach of the emissions software and potential regulatory action in other countries.
Impact on Volkswagen and Audi in Asia
Volkswagen’s position in South Korea is now under pressure. If the probe finds evidence of cheating, the company could face recalls, fines or even a ban on sales of affected models. The scandal has already damaged consumer trust in the brand and could affect dealers, owners and the wider diesel segment in the region.
German rivals Daimler and BMW have denied any involvement in emissions manipulation. For more on how diesel models have performed in emissions tests elsewhere, see UK Government Tests Find All Diesel Cars Exceed Lab Emissions.
