November 21, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Audi Volkswagen Korea, whose car sales have been suspended for months following last year’s emissions-rigging scandal, has decided to delay the launch of its online platform, industry sources said on Dec. 27.

“We thought it is a bit too early to start online sales, but we are still considering diverse options,” a VW Korea spokesperson told The Investor. 

According to industry sources, VW Korea decided to postpone its online sales plan after finding that it takes more time to establish a new platform than the company originally expected.

The Korean unit of the German carmaker had planned to launch an online platform by the year-end to process all car purchases in partnership with Kakao Mobility, a Kakao entity that oversees transportation services. In July, key executives of VW met with their Kakao Mobility counterparts to discuss details of the platform.

As regards whether the company will continue to work with Kakao Mobility for the online platform, the company spokesperson said, “it has not been decided yet.”

Moreover, VW Korea added that the only thing on the agenda for now is that they will start selling three new models next year -- four-door coupe Arteon, Passat GT sedan and the new Tiguan SUV.

According to sources, VW Korea will resume sales through its existing car dealership network from mid-January.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)