VW pledge for the solution to the rigged 3.0 litre diesel vehicles

The pressure has been continually piling on for the VW Group as they have been given deadline after deadline for rectifying the vehicles, including recently 80,000 larger and luxury diesel-powered 3.0 litre vehicles involved in the ongoing emissions scandal.

As we continue to fight for the rights of victims here in the UK, we expect far better results than what we have had so far.

November deadline for remedy

In approving the $14.7 billion settlement in the U.S., District Judge Charles Breyer allowed the VW Group until the end of last month to deal with the ‘larger and more luxurious’ 3.0 litre vehicles that were affected by the emissions scandal.

The settlement did not just involve a financial penalty, but it imposed sanctions on VW to meet their targets and, in effect, allow surveillance from environmental authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resources Board.

Potential remedy for 3.0 litre vehicles

The solution to rectify the 3.0 litre vehicles is estimated to cost the German manufacturers around $10 billion, which is in addition to the $14.7 billion settlement made last month. The VW Group could face further fines and penalties as the EPA have yet to approve of any solutions proposed.

From a non-financial point of view, this could delay the process of getting all the dirty diesels off of the road. This in itself is an inadequate solution for victims who have had to deal with the scandal for more than a year; having to deal with the “emotional strain and frustration”, as Judge Breyer quite rightly puts it.

“As quick as possible”

VW said:

“…as noted in Court today, we are making substantial progress in our efforts to reach an approved resolution for these 3.0 litre TDI V-6 vehicles as quickly as possible.”

We carefully note the as “quick as possible” sentiment.

If they wanted to remedy the situation as “quick as possible” they should have come clean to their customers a long time ago, and not waited until they were caught! Or, of course, not triggered this whole scandal in the first place!

If they wanted a quick remedy, an ideal solution could be a buyback of all the 3.0 litre vehicles. However, taking into consideration their recent $14.7 billion settlement, I am sure VW will not want to incur any further large costs, despite such costs being an almost inevitability.

If VW’s previous actions are anything to go by, making swift remedies does not seem to be on their agenda. When the scandal first erupted in September 2015, they suggested that all vehicles in the U.K. would be recalled to repair quickly, yet, more than a year on, only around 10 per cent of the vehicles have actually been recalled. Of the 1.2 million affected vehicles in the U.K., this feels like a feeble attempt by VW, and actually questions their genuine motives to provide their victims with remedial action.

Can you see why there are clouds of doubt?

Criminal sanctions

VW are not only subject to civil charges and penalties, but also criminal charges. However, VW CEO Matthias Mueller has sought to settle with the U.S. government before the end of January. Mr Mueller has expressed his disappointment in relation to the investigations and is “surprised” by the magnitude of the scandal.

Has Mr Mueller spared a thought for the millions of affected vehicle owners and other parties that this emissions scandal has affected? I’m surprised that he is “surprised” of the magnitude of the scandal. What did he expect? A wave of a wand and all the troubles would disappear?

He must be dreaming…

As you already know, this scandal has affected millions of people, and has arguably caused irreversible damage to both human health and the environment. Mr Mueller did not seem fazed about the financial penalties as he stated “[VW] has the financial muscle to recover from the scandal…” – and that certainly seems to be the case since VW are something like the eleventh biggest company in the world.

So our question is simple: why won’t you use the money you have to pay compensation to the victims of the scandal; your customers!

A second settlement offer in the U.S.?

It’s not only stressful for the U.K. victims, but frustrating as it seems like they have not given a thought for them.

It feels like another punch in the stomach for U.K. victims as Judge Breyer reports that negotiations for a settlement for the 80,000 3.0 litre vehicles are coming to a close. There were no further details of the negotiation settlement, but the $14.7 billion settlement could give indications as to what it might include. This could “involve buybacks, thousands of dollars in compensation per owner and environmental remediation efforts”. Given that the EPA have yet to approve of their proposal, VW does not seem to have suggested an appropriate remedy.

Join us in the fight for justice!

VW are yet to offer a settlement offer in the U.K., but that will not deter us from acting on behalf of thousands of VW victims in the U.K.
We won’t be backing down as we continue to act on behalf of thousands of victims.

We want them to show that they are genuinely regretful for the distress that they have caused their customers, by joining us in this group action as the only way forward.

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