Despite emission cheating scandal, Tiguan named best-selling foreign car in Korea


The government said on Thursday that it has reached a preliminary conclusion that the device that manipulated emissions levels of Volkswagen’s diesel vehicles is correlated to their fuel efficiency.

In an analysis of test data provided by the Environment Ministry, the Transport Ministry learned that the defeat device software could have an impact on fuel efficiency, an official said. To confirm it, the ministry will investigate the fuel efficiency of the German cars through driving tests, said the official, according to Yonhap news agency.

“We have concluded that there is a correlation,” the official told Yonhap. “We will launch an investigation into the fuel efficiency aspect of those cars in question.” Details of the investigation were not available.

The move came a month after the Environment Ministry concluded that some Volkswagen cars sold in Korea were involved in the same emissions-cheating scheme as those sold in the U.S.

After running the first round of examinations, the ministry revoked certification for the tested models, banned their sale and ordered a recall of about 125,000 cars. The ministry also imposed the German carmaker about 14 billion won worth of fine.

Vehicles subject for recall orders include those equipped with the “EA189” engine. The list also includes the Volkswagen Beetle and the Q5, Q3 and A4 of its Audi luxury brand.

Volkswagen is obliged to submit detailed recall plans to the Environment Ministry by Jan. 6.

The carmaker should also explain how to improve emissions results and maintain fuel efficiency after removing software attached to show fake emissions level.

Despite the deepening distrust after the cheating scandal involving the German carmaker, Volkswagen’s Tiguan was named the best selling foreign cars in South Korea this year.

According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, Volkswagen Korea sold a total of 8,269 units of the Tiguan 2.0 TDI in January-November period this year. Affordable price offered by Volkswagen as part of its promotion efforts since September was seen as a major contributing factor for its outstanding sales performance. Tiguan was followed by A6 35 TDI of it luxury brand Audi with 6,349 units.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)