December 13, 2015
December 13, 2015 - PRESSADVANTAGE -
The massive “dieselgate” scandal started in mid-September when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed that VW had installed software, or a “defeat device”, on several 2009–2015 model year Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles. This software is intended to detect when the car is undergoing emissions testing and to switch between two distinct operating modes. Consequently, the VW cars equipped with the “defeat device” are fully compliant with the emissions standards when being assessed in a laboratory or testing station – this is when the engine is working in the test mode. In real life settings, however, the engine switches to a separate mode which is likely to provide better fuel mileage and power, but will at the same time permit emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are up to 40 times higher than allowed under U.S laws.
Since the scandal started, an increasing number of VW vehicle owners are getting frustrated as the bad news are piling up. The first VW customers to feel betrayed were those who had purchased their diesel car based on good fuel economy and low emissions, and had thought they had made an environmentally-friendly choice. Now, VW owners who initially were not much concerned about the violation of emission rules realize that their vehicle is losing resale value (http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101315_used-vw-prices-fall-more-with-no-end-to-diesel-scandal-in-sight).
VW has announced a recall to fix the affected vehicles. In case of new models, the fixes will presumably be software updates. Still, many vehicles will likely need physical changes as well. Experts (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/11899049/What-happens-if-my-VW-car-has-emissions-cheating-software.html) suspect that the fixes required to meet emission standards will leave Volkswagen drivers with a car that doesn't perform as they were promised when they bought it. The core of the problem is the trade-off between pollution control and engine performance. Reducing emissions means that fuel efficiency is diminished, and driving the car costs a lot more. Furthermore, the fixes could also harm resale value. However, not getting the car fixed could invalidate any warranty and also the resale value of the car. VW has thus betrayed not only those customers who bought a “green” diesel as a way to protect the nature, but also those who choose a VW car for the superior fuel economy and performance.
There are over 30 class action lawsuits against VW in progress already, and an increasing number of VW owners seek to get monetary compensation for the reduced value of their cars. VW vehicle owners whose cars could be affected by the scandal are encouraged to seek legal consultation in order to assess their eligibility and their options for legal action against VW.
As of right now, there are eight vehicle models that may have been manufactured with a defeat device. In the United States, these vehicles include:
2009-2015 Audi A3 2.0 L TDI
2009-2015 VW Beetle 2.0 L TDI
2009-2015 Beetle Convertible 2.0 L TDI
2009-2015 VW Golf 2.0 L TDI
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen 2.0 L TDI
2009-2015 VW Jetta 2.0 L TDI
2009-2014 Jetta Sportwagen 2.0 L TDI
2012-2015 VW Passat 2.0 L TDI
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For more information about VW Class Action Attorneys, contact the company here:
VW Class Action Attorneys
Angela Smith
415-671-6163
4305 Center Avenue
Fresno, CA 93704
