Volkswagen's US operations chief Michael Horn admitted they knew about the emission problems. (Photo : Reuters)
German automaker Volkswagen announced on Oct. 17, Friday, that it will recall more than half a million cars in China, the largest car market in the world, Business Spectator reported.
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has released a statement citing a total of 581,090 locally made Volkswagen cars, including Sagitars and Beetles, to be recalled due to a defect in the rear axles.
In August, the administration launched an investigation into the cars, and after months of work on expert analysis and customer feedback, it decided that the recall was necessary.
In order to address the rear axle issues, Volkswagen said that it will make sure that the vehicles operate properly in case of a rupture by placing a metal plate in the trailing arm of the rear axles.
Volkswagen has been in China since the 1980s, and it is currently operating a joint venture with China FAW Group Corp.
A week prior to the announcement of the recall, the German automaker extended its joint venture with FAW until 2041 as part of the agreements signed when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Germany.
The recall is crucial for Volkswagen as a foreign marketer in China, where its auto sales surged from 13.9 percent to 21.98 million cars in 2013, a time when sales in other countries have slowed due to sluggishness in the world economy.
Aside from its car recall in China, Volkswagen also has to recall 442,265 cars in the United States and 126,000 in Canada. Models include 2011-2013 VW Jettas and 2012-2013 VW Beetles, Reuters reported.
While Volkswagen has yet to receive reports of accidents or injuries relating to defective rear axles, the company also issued a warning about a cracked suspension arm which could lead to a crash if undetected.
Volkswagen spokesperson Jeannine Ginivan said that the affected cars will either have their torsion beam replaced or have a sheetmetal part that will make a certain sound when damaged in the future. The company will notify owners within 30 days and will provide free replacement work to customers.
