[THE INVESTOR] Audi Volkswagen Korea has decided to stop selling certain vehicles that cheated on emission tests in South Korea, local news reported Thursday. 

The Korean unit informed local dealers of its decision to suspend from Monday the sales of 79 models of cars,  including top-selling ones such as the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and the Audi A4.

The Ministry of Environment had earlier issued an order to ban sales and cancel the registration of VW’s diesel and gasoline engine vehicles that cheated on emission tests, following an investigation that suggested the German automaker had equipped cars with disputed engines and manipulated documents to obtain government approval. 

A VW Korea executive has already been indicted on charges that include fraud and a violation of the Clean Air Conservation Act.

According to industry insiders, VW Korea’s decision aims to change local consumers’ negative perception in the wake of the investigation. The carmaker will need to acquire approval from the government again to resume sales of the affected models.

VW Korea reiterated it does not intend to abandon the Korean market, amid speculation that it would do so.

The ministry will hold a public hearing on the case on Monday and VW Korea said it will attend to explain its position.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)