Volkswagen Audi Diesel Emissions Recall
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP and Cooper & Kirk, PLLC File A Class Action Lawsuit Against Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. on Behalf of “Clean Diesel” Car Owners and Lessees In The Eastern District of Virginia
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently accused Volkswagen of unlawfully using special software that circumvents EPA emissions standards for air pollutants being emitted by the company’s “Clean Diesel” cars. Specifically, the EPA alleges that Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (collectively referred to as Volkswagen) utilized a “defeat device” on certain Volkswagen vehicles to detect when the car is undergoing official emissions testing in order to engage full emissions controls. At all other times, the purportedly “clean diesel” cars were emitting upwards of 40 times the EPA allowable emission of highly toxic pollutants.
Some experts have suggested the “defeat devices” were used to artificially boost the cars’ performance (including increased torque and acceleration) and allow their operation in violation of emission limits set by the Clean Air Act.
Most recently, the EPA has expanded the list to include certain 3.0-liter diesel engines vehicles. Below is a list of additional vehicles with 3.0-liter diesel engines that are the subject of our investigation:
• VW Touareg (2014)
• Porsche Cayenne (2015)
• Audi A6 Quattro (2016)
• Audi A7 Quattro (2016)
• Audi A8 (2016)
• Audi A8L (2016)
• Audi Q5 (2016)
Volkswagen has admitted to systematically cheating on U.S. air pollution tests for years. The EPA could fine the company $37,500 per violation – meaning the total fine could be more than $18 billion.
On Friday, September 18, 2015, Volkswagen was directed to recall nearly 500,000 vehicles with the alleged illegal software in its diesel-powered cars that evade emissions standards. Volkswagen also halted U.S. sales of all models that are powered by its four-cylinder TDI diesel engine, which is at the center of the controversy. This includes not only new 2015 and 2016 model-year vehicles, but also all certified pre-owned TDI models that are in dealer inventory. On September 21, 2015, sources within the United States Department of Justice (“Justice Department”) confirmed that the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division is conducting a criminal probe of Volkswagen.
On September 23, 2015, Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group of America’s parent company, announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Martin Winterkorn, who served as Volkswagen AG’s CEO since 2007. The Company also suggested that the “defeat device” software could be present in upwards of 11 million vehicles worldwide.
Kessler Topaz is investigating potential class action claims on behalf of owners or Lessees of the affected diesel Volkswagen or Audi vehicles. If you purchased or currently own or lease one of the affected vehicles, and would like to learn more about our investigation, please fill out our online form, or contact us today at 888-299-7706 or by email at [email protected].