Thousands of luxury cars, including Bentley, Audi, and Porsche, are banned from entering the American territory.

A shadow looms over the Volkswagen group as thousands of its luxury cars are stuck at American ports, accused of violating anti-forced labor laws.

Unknown Origin: Illegal Part at Fault

According to anonymous sources quoted by the Financial Times, the automotive group was unaware of the origin of an illegal part used in these cars. This part comes from an indirect supplier based in China, and its use has triggered a crisis.

Quick Reaction from Volkswagen to the Alert

Informed by the supplier, U.S. authorities were promptly alerted by Volkswagen. The reaction was swift: the vehicles were held at the port, and a replacement of the unit containing the incriminated part is underway.

No Impact on Volkswagen

In a statement, Volkswagen assures that the situation does not affect any of its vehicles. “No Volkswagen vehicles have been affected,” emphasizes the manufacturer, while committing to replacing the incriminated part and ensuring compliant deliveries.

Models Involved: Porsche, Bentley and Audi

The list of cars awaiting clearance includes around 1,000 Porsches, several hundred Bentleys, and several thousand Audis. The exact models are not clear, but the Audi Q8 e-tron is among the affected vehicles.

Presumed Violation of the Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act

Luxury cars destined for the U.S. are alleged to have violated the Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). This law prohibits the import of goods from the Xinjiang region, where forced labor is suspected.

An Electronic Component Involved

The controversy revolves around a small electronic component of a larger control unit. The precise origin of this part remains unknown, adding a dimension of uncertainty to the situation.

Volkswagen and SAIC: A Spotlight on Partnership

Volkswagen has had a factory in partnership with SAIC in the Chinese region for a decade. Allegations of mistreatment of workers led activists to disrupt the group’s annual meeting last year.

The automotive manufacturer asserts that it takes these allegations very seriously, emphasizing its commitment to human rights despite the challenges faced in its international operations.

Source: Carbuzz

The text Des milliers de voitures de luxe Bentley, Audi et Porsche interdites d’entrée sur le territoire américain is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile