Audi‘s emissions scandal flared up once again on Thursday after the German government alleged the automaker of cheating emissions tests with its top-end models, the very first time Audi has been alleged of such misbehavior in its home country.
The German Transport Ministry stated it has asked Volkswagen‘s luxury department to recall around 24,000 A7 and A8 designs developed between 2009 and 2013, about half which were sold in Germany.
VW Chief Executive Matthias Mueller was summoned to the Berlin-based ministry, a ministry spokesperson stated, without describing. The automaker didn’t return calls seeking remark.
The impacted Audi models with so-called Euro-5 emission standards give off about two times the legal limit of nitrogen oxides when the steering wheel is turned over 15 degrees, the ministry stated.
It is likewise the first time that Audi’s top-of-the-line A8 saloon has alleged in emissions cheating. VW has stated to this day that the emissions-control software discovered in its rigged EA 189 diesel motor does not breach European law.
The 80,000 3.0-liter automobiles affected by VW’s emissions scandal in the United States included Audi A6, A7 and Q7 designs along with Porsche and VW brand vehicles.
The ministry said it has provided a June 12 deadline for Audi to come up with an extensive plan to refit the automobiles.
