Audi Volkswagen Korea has decided to voluntarily halt the sales of 79 models that the government said would be subject to a sales ban and revocation of certification for alleged emissions rigging.
 
Industry sources said the company sent letters to all of its dealers on Thursday saying that it will voluntarily halt sales of the models beginning Monday. Sales contracts or registrations of the models will be suspended accordingly.
 
The local subsidiary of the German carmaker appears to have backed down substantially from its previous stance of reviewing legal measures including litigation against the South Korean government.

Audi Volkswagen Korea also plans to attend a hearing at the Ministry of Environment on Monday to clarify its position in the prosecution investigation on the carmaker's alleged doctoring of noise level, fuel efficiency and emissions results.
 
The government said previously that it would make a final decision on a sales ban and revocation of certification of the models by next Friday following the hearing.