Emission scandal: Suzuki joins other carmakers in recall of diesels in Europe

Japanese carmaker Suzuki has issued a voluntary recall of the cars affected by the ongoing emissions scandal. 

During an investigation conducted by the German government in response to the ongoing emissions scandal, some of the carmaker's Fiat-engined models were found to fall short of emission requirements. Suzuki, however, has emphasised that the models affected are only those which use engines supplied by Fiat, and that the service action offered to rectify them is entirely voluntary.

The German investigation also found that Audi, Mercedes, Opel, Porsche and Volkswagen failed to meet expectations. They have issued a voluntary recall of more than 6,30,000 diesel-powered vehicles in the home market after the irregularities were discovered. However, several other carmakers that have been named in the investigation have yet to reveal if they will take action.

During real-world testing, the investigators discovered what they deemed excessive NOx emissions levels, chiefly as a result of the emissions reductions systems only working at certain temperature levels.

It is understood the German investigation – as with the UK government's – uncovered concerns regarding the operating temperatures of emissions-reducing recirculation systems and particulate filters. The tests showed that manufacturers shut down the filter systems at different temperatures in order to prolong the life of the parts involved.

It has not been alleged that any of the manufacturers broke any legal requirements for emissions. However, the German and UK governments have now instructed that the real-world emissions levels, which are outside of European regulatory requirements, should be investigated and improvements to the emissions reductions systems be made.

Meanwhile, Audi announced it will go beyond the formal request for action in Germany and recall 65,700 cars with six-cylinder diesel engines throughout Europe.

The news follows on from Mitsubishi admitting that it had cheated during fuel economy tests in Japan, a raid related to emissions on the offices of Peugeot and a US investigation into diesel emissions at Mercedes. VW recently revealed that it had reached an agreement with US to buy back affected cars in the country and offer owners compensation.