Volkswagen Fined Up to $18 Billion for Diesel Emissions Scandal

Strategic Insights -

In a major automotive scandal, Volkswagen has been forced to admit that its "clean diesel" vehicles cheated in U.S. and California air pollution tests from 2009 to 2015. A class action complaint, filed by McCuneWright, LLP on behalf of a Los Angeles man and all other owners and lessees of the affected vehicles, alleges that Volkswagen was deceptive in manufacturing and marketing the vehicles. The scandal involves approximately 482,000 vehicles sold in the United States, including Volkswagen's Jetta, Beetle, Golf, Passat, and Audi A3 models. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have issued notices of violation, citing the automaker for using a "defeat device" that deactivated emissions controls on the open road, resulting in up to 40 times the permitted amount of nitrogen oxide emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Volkswagen has been accused of cheating in U.S. and California air pollution tests on its "clean diesel" vehicles from 2009 to 2015.
  • A class action complaint, filed by McCuneWright, LLP, alleges that Volkswagen was deceptive in manufacturing and marketing the vehicles.
  • Approximately 482,000 vehicles sold in the United States are affected, including Volkswagen's Jetta, Beetle, Golf, Passat, and Audi A3 models.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have issued notices of violation to Volkswagen Group of America.
  • The automaker could face fines of up to $18 billion ($37,500 per car) and has already halted sales of new vehicles with the TDI engine.
  • Richard McCune and McCuneWright have been involved in MPG and emissions fraud cases, including cases against Hyundai and Ford.
  • The vehicles affected include model years 2009, 2012, 2015, and vehicle models Jetta (2009-15), Beetle (2009-15), Golf (2009-15), Passat (2012-15), and Audi A3 (2009-15).
  • McCuneWright has a history of advocating on behalf of Southern California consumers and holding large organizations accountable for their products and business practices.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 482,000 vehicles sold in the United States are affected.
  • Volkswagen sold nearly 80,000 diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. last year.
  • The fines could reach up to $18 billion ($37,500 per car).
  • Vehicles affected include model years 2009, 2012, and 2015, and vehicle models Jetta (2009-15), Beetle (2009-15), Golf (2009-15), Passat (2012-15), and Audi A3 (2009-15).

Sources:

  • McCuneWright LLP of Redlands
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • California Air Resources Board (CARB)
  • Bloomberg News
  • Contify.com