The South Korean prosecution will summon another key executive of Volkswagen headquarters in Germany for questioning over the German carmaker’s series of emission-related violations of local rules.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutor`s Office said it will investigate Trevor Hill, Director Strategic project, Internationalization at Audi AG, on Thursday.

He served as Audi Volkswagen Korea (AVK) Managing Director from 2007 to 2012, responsible for importation and marketing of Euro 5 models involved in the emission-rigging scandal in Korea.

An official familiar with the matter said he will be investigated as a witness but there is a possibility that he can be a suspect.

This is the second summoning of a key executive from the carmaker’s headquarters since the investigation began after the Ministry of Environment brought criminal charges against Volkswagen in January. Earlier on Sept. 21. an executive responsible for emission certification at the carmaker’s headquarters was summoned as a witness to the case.

The carmaker’s Euro 5 models were implicated in the gas emission software rigging scandal last year.

In July 2011, the Ministry of Environment requested the carmaker’s Korean unit to clarify the reason why Volkswagen Euro 5 cars emitted harmful NOx excessively. But it did not comply dutifully and declined to submit related materials. The German carmaker admitted to installing deceit device in its vehicles to rig emission levels after challenged by U.S. authorities in September of last year.

The prosecution will inquire the headquarters’ role in incompliance with local authorities as well other unfair practices such as manipulation of test certificates on noise, emission and fuel economy and importation of uncertified cars for five years from 2010.

By Lee Hyun-jung

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