Volkswagen experiencing some production delays

German carmaker Volkswagen is suffering production delays at some of its lines as it grapples with the impending worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure (WLTP), it said today.

WLTP is used to measure fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from passenger cars, as well as their pollutant emissions, and replaces the old lab test regime, the new European driving cycle (NEDC).

The new test is more in-depth, testing different iterations of the same model — a model with leather seats will need testing along with the same model with standard seats, which is a departure from the NEDC.

Steel market sources in Europe had suggested Volkswagen is having production issues that could in turn affect its steel consumption, but a spokesman for the company said this would not be the case given that production is only being delayed.

Some plants had reduced production shifts as they prepare for the new testing regime, the spokesman said. WLTP will apply to all new car registrations from September this year and involve longer and more rigorous testing of passenger vehicles.