Seeger Weiss Reports on Criminal Investigation of Volkswagen Faking Emissions Testing Results in Diesel Cars
NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeger Weiss LLP is reporting on the criminal investigation of Volkswagen and the widespread recall of several models of Volkswagen vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was tipped off that Volkswagen executives had lied to environmental regulators by rigging an emissions test, violating the Clean Air Act. The company originally blamed technical errors for the discrepancies found between their diesel vehicles' low emissions tests and higher emission levels on the road. This month, however, Volkswagen admitted to intentionally faking emissions testing results and then selling diesel-powered cars to American consumers for over 5 years. Because of this, Volkswagen could face a criminal investigation by the Justice Department's Environmental and Natural Resources Division.
On September 18, 2015, the EPA ordered Volkswagen to recall nearly 500,000 vehicles in the United States alone. According to US regulators, these vehicles were equipped with illegal software that purposefully allowed them to evade emissions standards – particularly for reducing smog during testing. During the official emissions test, the software would turn off the full emission control system, allowing the vehicle to register significantly lower emissions. During normal driving conditions, however, the software would turn on the full emission control system.
A nonprofit environmental group, known as the International Council on Clean Transportation, uncovered this deception by testing the real-world performance of diesel cars in America. As they tested the vehicles, they noticed that Volkswagen models tested perfectly in the lab, but on the road produced 40x more emissions – well over the limit.
The cars that were affected by the recall include:
- Jetta (model year 2009-2015)
- Beetle (model year 2009-2015)
- Audi A3 (model years 2009-2015)
- Golf (model years 2009-2015)
- Passat (model years 2014-2015)
Volkswagen will be required to fix the emissions system to comply with federal regulations and emissions standards. Under the Clean Air Act, the company could be fined up to $18 billion for their role in deceiving and manipulating emissions testing.
On Monday, September 21, 2015, Volkswagen shares plummeted more than 20% and on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, Dr. Martin Winterkorn stepped down as CEO.
If you purchased or leased a 2009-2015 model year Volkswagen or Audi from the recall list, it is important to speak to an experienced class action lawyer immediately.
Seeger Weiss is a leader in consumer class action lawsuits. Contact Seeger Weiss LLP for a free initial consultation. Our firm has the knowledge and the resources needed to take large auto manufacturers to trial. We fight aggressively for wronged consumers and their families. Contact us today by calling 1-877-709-5531 or fill out our confidential contact form at www.seegerweiss.com.
http://www3.epa.gov/otaq/cert/violations.htm
http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/news/2015/09/Statement.html
Contact:
Christopher A. Seeger, (877) 709-5531 or [email protected]
Jeffrey S. Grand (877) 709-5531 or [email protected]
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SOURCE Seeger Weiss LLP
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