Volkswagen recalls an impressive number of cars at the factory: what’s the problem, how it affects the vehicle

VW’s global recall affects more than 100,000 Audi, VW, Skoda and Seat plug-in cars.

The Volkswagen Group will recall more than 100,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles globally because of the risk of fire, a spokesman for the automaker said.

The VW brand will recall 42,300 Passat, Golf and Tiguan and Arteon models, while Audi will recall 24,400 vehicles. Seat and Skoda units are also affected.

There is a risk of fire due to an insufficiently insulated high voltage battery, the spokesman said on Thursday.

The German daily Bild quoted KBA, the German Federal Office of Motor Vehicles, as saying that “improper attachment of the engine cover can lead to contact with hot parts and later to fire”, adding that 16 such cases have been reported in Germany.

Problems in China

Volkswagen has announced that it will stop work on its Shanghai plant from April 1-5, reversing a previous plan to maintain part of its production, while the city extends the blockade to limit the spread of COVID-19.

VW, which has a joint venture in Shanghai with SAIC Motor, said it will perform factory maintenance.

Earlier in the day, VW said it would maintain some production during this period, offering accommodation and meals at its factory for employees who volunteer.

Its factory in Shanghai is located in the western district of Anting, which is scheduled to begin a blockade on Friday that will last until the early hours of April 5.

VW has asked staff at its Shanghai plant to prepare sleeping bags and yoga mats so that the company can implement a system that allows production to continue despite the strict blockage due to COVID-19.

The arrangement would have allowed the factory to run a so-called closed-loop system, while the west of the city is blocked for a mass test flash.