The government on Tuesday said initial findings by apex testing agency Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) indicate the diesel cars manufactured in India by Volkswagen having E189 engine were fitted with the “defeat device”, which may lead to excess nitrogen oxide emission levels in on-road vehicles.

“Based on the initial findings, there is an indication that the diesel vehicles fitted with E189 engine and manufactured in India by >Volkswagen group of companies are fitted with the ‘defeat device’.

“Fitment of such a device may lead to excess NOx emissions on road,” Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises G.M. Siddeshwara said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

“The possible violation is with respect to fitment of defeat device on the vehicles so that it senses that the vehicle is being tested on the mandatory driving cycle and adjusts the performance of after-treatment device accordingly to meet the regulatory emission test cycle in the laboratory,” Mr. Siddeshwara said.

“Depending upon the outcome of the disclosure and test findings, possible penal/administrative action and/or recall of vehicles, as the case may be, shall be taken in accordance with applicable national laws,” he said.