The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) yesterday, stated that it had issued a seven-day ultimatum to Volkswagen Nigeria to provide information on the status of its vehicles in relation to the emissions cheating software, which had reportedly affected 11 million cars worldwide.
The CPC, in a letter to the auto manufacturer dated October 26, 2015, signed by its director-general, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, drew the attention of the company to allegations that a software device was installed in Volkswagen vehicles to cheat emission tests.
It stated that the effect on the environment as well as the quality of the cars was of great importance to the CPC.
The CPC letter to the firm read in part, “The publications also indicated that Volkswagen had admitted that vehicles with 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0-litre EA 189 engines are all affected, (i.e. Golf, Beatle, Jetta and Passat models).”
It noted that Volkswagen had a huge market in Nigeria, with many customers who might currently be in possession of the affected models.
The council requested Volkswagen Nigeria to within seven days of the receipt of its letter make available the number of affected vehicles in the country, steps taken to inform and sensitise consumers and efforts being made to facilitate the quick recall of such vehicles in the country.
Punch