Kuehl also said in the letter that the Korean market is a very important one for the Volkswagen Group in Germany, which has promised full support for VW Korea in resolving the current situation. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, July 15 (Korea Bizwire) – With 32 Volkswagen models likely to have their government certification revoked at the end of July, consumers have been growing anxious with speculation spreading that the company might pull out of the Korean market. Resale values of the models in question have plummeted, and used car transactions have ground to a halt.
“We used to have at least one or two customer inquiries each day,” said an imported used car dealer. “But now we have none. Even dealers are starting to refuse to buy (Volkswagen vehicles). There’s no use in buying a car that won’t sell.”
However, in an official statement released on Thursday, Volkswagen Korea said that the “speculation is not true” and that it will not withdraw from the Korean market.
“I sincerely apologize for the concerns that our company has caused to our customers and our dealer partners,” said Thomas Kuehl, President & CEO of Volkswagen Korea, in a letter sent to the German automaker’s local dealerships. “We’re faced with difficult circumstances. However, we will maintain our solid position in the Korean market, and continue to advance with our future plans.”
Kuehl also said in the letter that the Korean market is a very important one for the Volkswagen Group in Germany, which has promised full support for VW Korea in resolving the current situation.
“Volkswagen Korea has been closely cooperating with the Korean authorities to resolve the matters as quickly as possible,” Kuehl added.
The Korean Prosecutors’ Office sent a notice to the Ministry of Environment in June, detailing the findings of its investigation into the fraudulent emissions and noise tests of 32 VW models that included the Audi A3 and A6, and the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and Tiguan. Prosecutors also pushed the ministry to revoke the certification of the concerned vehicles, a move that would ultimately ban their sales in Korea.
The date for the public hearing, at which VW Korea will make its final appeal, was set for July 25.
The company also published notices on Thursday afternoon on the websites of Volkswagen and Audi Korea, informing customers that the upcoming ministry decision would not affect future warranty service, used car trading, or any other operations related to Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.
“If the ministry decides to revoke its certification, we won’t be able to import or sell the models concerned until they are recertified, but this will not cause any disadvantages to existing vehicle owners,” said Volkswagen in the online notices.
“Audi-Volkswagen Korea will do its best to rectify the matters brought forward by the officials and implement a more stringent management system, so that our customers can drive safer and better vehicles.”
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
