Volkswagen (VW) has decided to settle civil and criminal allegations stemming from the emissions cheating scandal involving approximately 590,000 diesel vehicles in the U.S. VW will pay $4.3 billion, $2.8 billion for criminal penalties and $1.5 billion for civil penalties.
VW also chose to plead guilty to three criminal felonies:
- Participating in a conspiracy to violate the U.S. Clean Air Act and defraud the federal government and customers
- Obstruction of justice for destroying documents related to the violations
- Importing vehicles into the country using false claims regarding the vehicles’ compliance with legal emissions limits
As part of the settlement, VW will be required to work with an independent monitor for a three-year period.
Federal court has yet to approve the plea agreement. VW has also stated the deal is subject to approval by company management and boards, as well as the boards of companies affiliated with the automaker.
The VW scandal involved emissions cheating devices installed in model-year 2009 to 2016 Audi’s, VW’s and Porsche’s with 2.0 and 3.0-liter diesel engines. The devices allowed vehicles to pass U.S. emissions tests while emitting contaminants over the legal limit. A total of 11 million vehicles worldwide were involved in the scandal.
Six German Volkswagen executives have been independently indicted by a Michigan federal grand jury for their connection to the emissions scandal.
Each of these executives have been charged with conspiracy to defraud U.S. customers and violating the Clean Air Act by making false representations. Four of the executives have been charged with additional Clean Air Act violations and four have received wire fraud charges.
If your Volkswagen vehicle was affected by the recent emissions cheating scandal, you may be entitled to compensation. The product liability lawyers of Anderson Cummings will work to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.