One of the local law firms is preparing a lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of the most important German transport associations (BGL, DSLV, BWVL, and AMÖ). Carriers will demand compensation for the purchase of two flagship models for their fleets.
Companies that have VW Passat 2.0 TDI or VW T6 Transporter 2.0 TDI in their fleet are both lucky and unlucky – states the German transport portal eurotransport.de. In the case of both models, the manufacturer has manipulated the measurement of exhaust emissions. The lawsuit of German unions may open the way for claims to other aggrieved entrepreneurs. Companies that have bought these Volkswagen models before September 18, 2015 can apply for compensation. The case will expire on December 31, 2018.
Volkswagen diesel scandal
In 2015, information emerged that passenger cars with the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI engine are intentionally programmed to cheat. The computer system in the car was to recognize when the car passed the exhaust emission test and adjust the level to a value that falls within certain standards. In everyday use, however, Volkswagen cars were supposed to emit more fumes, exceeding the acceptable limits.
In September this year, Volkswagen officially announced that the fraudulent software has been sent to as many as 11 million cars around the world! Defective engines were produced from 2012 to 2015.
Giant in trouble
After revealing the case, Volkswagen got into big trouble. The scandal cost the company about 17 billion dollars in civil settlements and 4.3 billion dollars for settling criminal charges. Ex-Volkswagen manager Oliver Schmidt pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment.
The European Commission has forced Volkswagen to repair all vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards by 2017 at their own expense.
Photo: Wikimedia/ThomasDoerfer