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BEIJING, Oct.1 (Xinhuanet) -- German auto-giant Volkswagen is recalling 11 million vehicles worldwide. It comes after a massive emissions scandal that's seen the company's CEO resign - and the launch of investigations in several countries. Its shares continued to fall Tuesday.
Two million rigged engines were made at this Hungarian Audi factory. Eastern Europe is a manufacturing hub for the German car industry. And its governments are worried.
Volkswagen - which owns Audi, Skoda and Porsche -- has promised a "fresh start." The global emissions scandal has already cost former CEO Martin Winterkorn and two senior engineers their jobs. And the new boss, Matthias Mueller, now reportedly plans to recall all 11 million vehicles and fix the existing software that was designed to mislead car owners. Analysts say market volatility is likely to continue.
Environmental groups say VW isn't the only company whose vehicles don't meet emissions standards. They're calling for a fundamental shift in priorities from German policy-makers and the industry. Sweden has become the latest country to consider opening an investigation into Volkswagen. The fines could amount to billions of dollars - the damage to its reputation may be harder to measure.
German environmental groups are warning they'll carry out further tests on other makes of cars in the coming days. As far away as Japan - auto-makers are being ordered to prove that their cars meet global emissions standards, in practice. So far, only one auto-maker is directly affected but the entire global industry remains nervous.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
