SHANGHAI/BEIJING -- On the face of it, Volkswagen's diesel scandal should have little impact in China, the company's largest market, as none of the models involved are sold in the country. However, the German manufacturer, which through its joint ventures with local automakers SAIC Motor and FAW Group has seemed to be able to sell anything with a VW badge, may be facing a profound change in attitudes among Chinese consumers.
Last year, the Volkswagen Group sold 3.68 million cars in China, accounting for a market-leading 15.7% of sales in the country. Since VW established its first joint venture with SAIC in 1984, the company has sold few diesel vehicles in China. FAW-Volkswagen put out a statement Sept. 24 saying that none of the models being investigated by U.S. authorities have been sold in China.
