Up To 11 Million Vehicles Affected in Volkswagen Emissions Recall

According to the most recent data released by auto manufacturer Volkswagen, nearly 11 million vehicles built by the German auto company may be subject to recalls related to the "defeat devices" installed on these models. The recall follows a violation notice issued to Volkswagen by the Environmental Protection agency this month in regards to these devices that are used to trick emission standards tests. The devices use software that runs complex algorithms during the emissions test, making diesel engines seem compliant with the law, when really this is the only time the full emission control is functional.

The Associated Process reported on Monday that a current internal investigation by Volkswagen has uncovered at least two separate times that the company was made aware that it was illegal to use these defeat devices in their vehicles. Volkswagen currently manufacturers several car lines under its own brand, Audis, Skodas and several light commercial vehicles. The German governing body has given Volkswagen until October 7 to come up with a plan to fix all of the affected vehicles.

From a business perspective, the emissions scandal and the carnage it has left in its wake have proven to be a huge problem for Volkswagen. Shares of VW have fallen nearly 40% since the news broke in the United States about the defeat devices. Martin Winterkorn, former CEO of Volkswagen, stepped down amid fraud allegations related to the emissions scandal, and investors everywhere have stated they would be very wary of purchasing shares in the near term due to the volatility that will most likely follow the investigation of the German car maker.

It is difficult to gauge the impact of last week’s emissions scandal on the host of Volkswagen drivers globally. Popular opinion is that most Volkswagen owners will not voluntarily comply with the recall. Running the full emissions control system at all times decreases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Ultimately, Volkswagen would be asking consumers to give up the use of their vehicles during the time it takes to be retrofitted with new devices that would ultimately lead to a decrease in the miles per gallon they receive while driving. This could be viewed as a lose-lose scenario for the average consumer. It is definitely a blow to both the environment and consumers who purchased the vehicles in an attempt to preserve air quality. It seems that Volkswagen intently misled consumers and investors alike through false advertising and manipulated emissions data.

For additional information, contact James O. Cunningham today at 386-243-4994.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.