Govt asks ARAI to submit Volkswagen probe report by Sep 30

Mumbai: Days after the US ordered a probe into German carmaker Volkswagen for allegedly flouting emmission norms, the Heavy Industries Ministry has asked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to investigate any possible violations of norms and submit a report by September 30.

"We have asked ARAI to investigate the matter and submit a report by Wednesday (September 30)," Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete told PTI on the sidelines of IEEMA annual convention here.

He said the emmission norms in the country are different compared with other countries.

"We have asked ARAI to probe whether the company has flouted domestic emission standards and submit its report. If they are found guilty, we will take necessary action," he said.

ARAI, which is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, provides technical expertise in research and development, testing, certification, homologation and framing of vehicle regulations.

The German carmaker is facing up to USD 18 billion in fine in the US over allegations of cheating pollution tests.

The American probe came after the company recalled a whopping 11 million units sold since 2006.

The company admitted that many of its diesel cars were fitted with software that can cheat pollution tests.

Following the exposure, Volkswagon Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn stepepd down.

Volkswagen Group sells Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and koda vehicles, and Lamborghini.

Volkswagen has a manufacturing plant in Pune with a capacity to produce 1,30,000 vehicles a year.