The Volkswagen saga has turned into a global catastrophe for the auto industry, so much so that the company’s CEO had to issue an apology and resign from his post.
Anyone who owns a Volkswagen (VW) or an Audi in the US and some parts of Europe is having a hard time with the prospect of a recall looming.
But what about India where Volkswagen is popular with the Polo and Vento models. Is the Indian consumer likely to face any issues?
In India, We’re Relatively Okay
The most important thing to know about the VW emission scandal is that countries like the US and the UK follow Euro VI norms that require high-level fuel lubricants. But as always, India still follows outdated Euro IV norms that lead to hazardous levels of pollution.
Remember, even a Mahindra Bolero is legal in India.
Fortunately, the use of Euro IV norms means people owning VW diesel cars in India need not fear about cars getting hammered to get things fixed.
The Indian government is working on getting the norms up to speed and according to recent reports, Euro VI will only become applicable here by 2020, at the latest.
In the meanwhile, you can stop worrying about having some grease monkey tearing your car apart.
You Save Your Money for a Price
‘Kitna deti hai’ is something that everyone who owns a car or is remotely keen on cars wants to know in India. Car makers like Maruti routinely highlight this aspect in their television ads.
Our affinity to a save buck is well known but are we doing that at the cost of ruining our beloved four-wheeler? Yes indeed.
Word Has It
For all you Volkswagen car owners in India, this is the company’s word on the ongoing concerns.
Since there is a complex combination of several brands, various models, different engine variants and gearboxes as well as different model years that need to be analysed, establishing detailed facts is taking a longer time. Volkswagen Group India will present its results from the evaluations by the end of November 2015. During this period, the company representatives will stay in regular touch with ARAI to keep the authorities updated on the analysis. The next steps will depend on the findings from these evaluations. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group India would like to assure that all vehicles in the customers’ hands remain technically safe and roadworthy.Volkswagen India
Which Cars Will be Affected?
The Volkswagen emission issue centres around their EA 189 diesel TDI engine variants – 1.2ltr, 1.5ltr, 1.6ltr, and the 2.0ltr models.
This engine variant has been available in models in India and auto experts have suggested that any VW diesel car sold in India after 2009 comes under the scanner. Over 1,00,000 cars are likely to face the heat, with a possible recall.
In addition to Volkswagen Polo, Vento and Jetta other brands like Skoda and even Audi’s A3 are suspiciously placed in the line of defaulters as VW owns both Skoda and Audi.
While Volkswagen has officially shared its plan of action, the rest are yet to confirm the allegations. In all likelihood, your cars will be recalled by the company in the coming weeks, leading up to ARAI’s verdict by the end of this month.
Recalls are Good and Free
Cars owners belonging to the Volkswagen clan in the US and Europe are worried about the financial impact of the situation.
However, you guys in India are covered for good. Recalls can never be deemed as a good thing but when a company recall happens the repairs are made free of cost and everyone in India likes ‘free’ deals.
Beware of the Future!
Although Volkswagen or even the Skoda cars in the country are not affected right now the situation is bound to get murky pretty soon.
The government has worked on changing its fuel policy that will ensure India comes under the Euro VI listing by 2020 and for that fuel giants in the country will have to stump up big money to the tune of Rs 80,000 crore.
If you count the cost of revisions that auto part makers and manufacturers will have to make, it can only mean one thing.
Fuel cost and price of owning a car will be higher than what it is right now and that is never good news, both at present or in the future.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)