A probe has begun to find out if German auto major Volkswagen manipulated emission tests in India as it did in the US, where it faces a fine of up to $18 billion.

Apex automotive testing agency Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) started the probe after it was asked by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to inquire into the matter.

“We have sought details from Volkswagen and are awaiting their response,” ARAI Director Rashmi Urdhwareshe told PTI.

When asked if ARAI would pick up random samples to test, she said: “We are yet to decide on that.”

Urdhwareshe said the testing agency will work as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

When contacted, a Volkswagen India spokesperson declined to comment, stating that “the investigations are still going on”.

Heavy Industries Secretary Rajan Katoch said on Thursday that the Ministry has asked ARAI to inquire if VW manipulated emissions tests in India as it did in the US.

VW has admitted that 11 million diesel engine cars worldwide were fitted with the software that helped in manipulating emission tests.

It is now facing investigations in the US, South Korea, France, Italy, Canada, Germany and the UK. Australia has said it is monitoring the situation.

In the wake of the scandal in the US, the company’s embattled CEO, Martin Winterkorn, stepped down earlier this week.

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