Audi Q5 sales and production suspended in India over higher emission: Report

German luxury carmaker Audi has suspended the production and sales of its SUV, the Q5, after Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found the emission levels of the model at a higher-than-prescribed limit.

The Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) level was found to be more than the stipulated level in the Q5 diesel models sold in India during testing, reported ET Auto. The report also says increasing level of NOx is due to air getting trapped into the coolant system. The company reportedly withdrew the affected models from its dealerships while new models can be expected soon.

"We have investigated the concern regarding the Q5 and have identified corrective measures. We have conducted testing of the solution in Q5 vehicles with ARAI" the publication quoted Audi India spokesperson as saying.

The development is a big blow to the car maker considering it will dent the sales during the festive season. The Q5 sits between Audi Q3 and Q7, and it is one of the most selling models of the company. Audi Q5 goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X3 in India.

Meanwhile, the company is inching closer to the launch of new generation of the Q5. Audi has teased two images of the upcoming Q5, in which new headlamp and grille area is showcased. The New Q5 will come with chrome outlined hexagonal grille in line with the new Q3 and the Q7. The new-gen Q5 will be built on the company's latest new MLB-Evo platform and it will share underpinnings with other Audi cars including Q7, A4 and A5. The platform makes 2017 Audi Q5 around 100 kg lighter than the current version that will translate in to higher power output and improved fuel efficiency figures.