As Volkswagen struggles to make diesel vehicles compliant with U.S. emission standards, a Volkswagen buyback looks more likely.
Just last week, a hearing in the United States District Court in San Francisco took place about the emissions scandal. Robert Giuffra, the defending attorney for Volkswagen, said that Volkswagen could find a solution, but the timing could be too far into the future. Giuffra concluded in a transcript of the hearing, We might have to do a buyback or some sort of a solution like that for some subset of the vehicles, but that hasn't been determined yet.
Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency found that some Volkswagen diesel cars were equipped with software that reduced nitrogen oxide emissions only during testing. When the software was turned off, these vehicles exceeded the U.S. pollutant standards. Since then, Volkswagen has admitted to cheating on these U.S. emissions tests.
Currently, 11 million VW vehicles have been affected worldwide. The San Francisco hearing put the number of U.S. vehicles affected at around 575,000. In Europe, VW is planning to update engine software and in many cases improve airflow in engines, by reducing emissions. However this solution will not be adequate for cars in the United States. The U.S. has stricter rules on nitrogen oxide, a pollutant linked to smog and other lung ailments. Particularly, older vehicles with less effective emissions equipment will be more difficult to repair. Diesel vehicles with the EA 189 motor are the most likely candidates for a buyback, as these cars have a nitrogen oxide trap which is less effective than newer models. About 320,000 of these diesel cars have been sold in the United States.
Volkswagen could face countless legal claims from car owners and car dealerships if these vehicles continue to lose resale value and if car performance continues to suffer.
If you own a Volkswagen diesel car with emissions cheat software, the class action attorneys at Greg Coleman law can advise you about your legal rights. Contact us today if you have been affected by this emissions scandal. We can get you the justice you deserve.
Call (865) 247-0080 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.
