Scandinavian supplier body, FKG CEO, Fredrik Sidahl says he reacted with some disbelief to the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal erupting out of the US, while also calling for testing standardisation.
The escalating situation, which has already claimed the scalp of Volkswagen CEO, Martin Winterkorn, could yet engulf more people with the German automaker warning of “further personnel consequences” as details of the fast-moving emissions tests manipulation emerge.
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“My first reaction – do I read right – is it really true” Sidahl told just-auto from Gothenburg where he is preparing for next month's Annual Suppliers Forum.
“My worry is what will this lead to for the complete vehicle industry regarding test [ing].
“I don't understand why we test vehicles differently – the parameters are set by the OEM – we can't influence that at all.”
The FKG (Fordonskomponentgruppen) chief added there had been “desperate attempts to introduce a diesel engine on the US… which is not a diesel market,” while he also highlighted the genuine differences between rig testing and real life road conditions with varying standards between countries.
“The tests, they are never corresponding to the real driving of the vehicle,” added Sidahl. “So many parameters, but they are comparable and repeatable and that is the reason we have a test code.
“[But] there is a difference between test codes in Europe, Sweden and the US; we are looking for standardisation.”
Sidahl also expressed concerns fallout from the Volkswagen situation could affect his members, many of whom are suppliers to the German giant, as the implications of what senior French politicians are referring to as “fraud” ricochet around the globe.
“Of course [FKG] members are supplier to Volkswagen,” said Sidahl. “VW – at least for a week ago [was] the biggest automotive company in the world – Germany is the biggest export country from Sweden.
“If people don't buy vehicles, caused by this situation, volume drops and volume is very necessary for profitability and survival.”
For its part, Volkswagen says internal investigations into the affair, which has rocketed up the political ladder to at least Transport Ministry level and reportedly also reaching Chancellor Angela Merkel's office, are continuing “at high tempo,” while acknowledging the scandal has resulted in “unmeasurable harm” to the company.
Pressed as to whether he thought other automakers could also have been involved, the FKG chief noted: “I hope not, I really hope not.”
Volkswagen is due to consider a successor to Winterkorn at tomorrow's (25 September) supervisory board meeting in Wolfsburg.
