REUTERS
Seoul orders more than 125,000 cars recalled after finding Volkswagen and Audi vehicles had emissions-cheating software, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The South Korean Ministry of Environment said it had ordered a recall of 125,522 affected diesel-powered vehicles and a suspension of unsold Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. It also fined the German car maker a total of 14.1 billion won ($12.3 million), the Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday.
Seoul’s environment ministry last month began emissions tests on seven imported diesel models sold in Korea, including the Golf and Jetta, as well as Audi’s A3 sedan.
Subject to the recall order are a total of 15 vehicle types, including the Tiguan and Beetle of Volkswagen and the Q5, Q3 and A4 of Audi.
Read alsoVW emissions scandal: U.S. regulators find more cars with cheat testsThe ministry said Thursday that Volkswagen Korea should present detailed recall plans by Jan. 6, including how to improve emissions results and maintain fuel efficiency after removing the software in question.
Volkswagen said it respected the results of the investigation by the government and would take necessary measures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
“Any details relating to future recalls will be determined after all the technical details necessary for the recall procedure have been confirmed and announced by our headquarters,” Volkswagen Korea said in a statement.