Volkswagen is in talks with German consumer groups, looking to settle lawsuits pertaining to the excessive pollution caused by it’s diesel-powered models.
German consumers haven’t been as successful as those in the United States as far as securing compensation from the automaker, due to German cars not losing their road worthiness certification following the aforementioned diesel emissions scandal, reports Autonews Europe.
This happened because German consumers agreed to an update of their vehicle engine management software, which in turn led VW to take a different approach as far as compensation was concerned.
Also read: VW Headquarters Raided As Dieselgate Investigation Turns To EA 288 Engine
“Volkswagen and the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (VZBZ) have agreed to enter into discussions regarding a possible settlement,” stated the automaker.
“The discussions are at a very early stage, and there is no guarantee that they will result in a settlement. Both parties have agreed that the discussions should remain confidential.”
The Dieselgate scandal kicked off back in 2015 when VW admitted to manipulating engine management software in an attempt to mask high pollution levels in its diesel cars. Their plan eventually backfired, costing the carmaker at least 30 billion euros ($33 billion) in legal costs and fines, thus far.
Meanwhile, as recently as last month, VW headquarters were raided by German prosecutors as the investigation turned towards the newer EA 288 engine family, the successor to the EA 189, which was at the center of the scandal. At this rate, the company’s legal troubles will continue well into this new decade.
