As reported in the LA Times, Volkswagen (VW) has admitted that 482,000 2-liter diesel vehicles in the U.S. contained software that turned pollution controls on during government tests and off during real-world driving. The government says another 85,000 6-cylinder diesels also had the cheating software. This cheating software made the Volkswagen car emissions look “clean” when in fact, these vehicles were putting up to 40 times more pollution into the air than is allowable under U.S. standards. These pollutants are linked to a slew of respiratory illnesses, to lung tissue damage, premature death and are harmful to children and the elderly.
On behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice has filed a case against the car manufacturer. Standards by the EPA are created to protect citizens of the United States from undue harm. As lawyers, we research companies that are accused of fraudulent ways that endanger people in our country.
The Department of Justice has released the following list of affected car models produced by the Volkswagen company:
Affected 2.0 liter diesel models and model years include:
- Jetta (2009-2015)
- Jetta Sportwagen (2009-2014)
- Beetle (2013-2015)
- Beetle Convertible (2013-2015)
- Audi A3 (2010-2015)
- Golf (2010-2015)
- Golf Sportwagen (2015)
- Passat (2012-2015)
Affected 3.0 liter diesel models and model years include:
- Volkswagen Touareg (2009-2016)
- Porsche Cayenne (2013-2016)
- Audi A6 Quattro (2014-2016)
- Audi A7 Quattro (2014-2016)
- Audi A8 (2014 – 2016)
- Audi A8L (2014-2016)
- Audi Q5 (2014-2016)
- Audi Q7 (2009-2015)
Companies have “Strict Liability” for defectively manufactured products, including ones that emit toxic fumes. Some Volkswagen owners affected by the cheat device are filing lawsuits, not because of noticeable damage from the fumes, but because of buyer motivation. Their buying motivation for their VW was the “clean” reputation this company was selling in regards to their environmental stewardship. Many VW car owners would have made other investments that would have supported their belief system better.
Find out if you have a case, call us today.
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