VOLKSWAGEN AG has announced a recall of 178,731 Chinese-made Audi A4 and Audi A6 sedans, the largest recall in China's automotive industry over the past five years.

The luxury sedans to be retrieved were made by FAW-VW, the Chinese joint venture between Volkswagen and First Automotive Works Group, during January 2001 to October 2006, according to its statement.

The ignition plugs on the cars could be possibly damaged by higher temperatures due to a production fault, the auto maker said.

The Audi A4 and Audi A6 were the two most popular luxury car models under Volkswagen, helping it to grab the biggest slice of the market compared with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

FAW-VW said car owners could contact dealers for free inspection of their models and the faulty ignition plugs will be replaced without charge when necessary.

Affected owners can call the following hotlines - 0431-85990888 or 400-817-1888 - for more details.