Volkswagen’s CEO has apologized for cheating on emission standards of various models that it claimed had “clean diesel” engines that delivered better performance and low emissions, when, in fact, the car maker was accused last week of defrauding environmental regulators. Martin Winterkorn issued the statement Sunday (Sept. 20, 2015), adding that VW is cooperating with authorities and has commissioned an external probe, according to The Wall Street Journal. The German car maker also reportedly has halted all American sales of the popular diesel-powered cars. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is probing the matter after reportedly was tipped off by testing done by the California Air Resources Board.
The EPA investigation affects cars sold since 2008 and include the Volkswagen’s Passat, Jetta, Golf, Beetle and the Audi’s A3 luxury compact car. About 482,000 diesel-powered cars are reportedly affected. The EPA has ordered the company to recall the affected cars. The car maker may face billions of dollars in fines for its reported deliberate conduct in hoodwinking car buyers into thinking that the car was producing cleaner emissions. In reality, the car had software that was made to appear that the engines had lower emission levels than they actually did; the feature was only turned on during vehicle omissions tests. Winterkorn told the press Sunday that he will do “everything necessary” to regain the public trust in the company.
Clifford Law Offices is accepting cases regarding this matter. Please go to the home page of www.CliffordLaw.com and click on Class Action. There you will be able to fill out a form that asks for details regarding your Volkswagen or Audi vehicle. You will be contacted if you qualify to potentially become a member of the class action lawsuit. Clifford Law Offices is handling several class action lawsuits including taking the lead on the defective Pella window class action cases. For further information, contact Clifford Law Offices at 312-899-9090 or email smm@CliffordLaw.com or VWLawsuit@CliffordLaw.com