WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice announced Jan. 11 that Volkswagen has agreed to $4.3 billion in penalties after allegations the company sold 590,000 diesel vehicles in the U.S. by using defeat devices to circumvent emissions tests.
These tests had been mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The settlement agreement resolves claims that Volkswagen both engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and U.S. customers and violated the Clean Air Act. The settlement includes injunctive relief in order to prevent future violations.
“Volkswagen’s attempts to dodge emissions standards and import falsely certified vehicles into the country represent an egregious violation of our nation’s environmental, consumer protection and financial laws,” then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “Today’s actions reflect the Justice Department’s steadfast commitment to defending consumers, protecting our environment and our financial system and holding individuals and companies accountable for corporate wrongdoing. In the days ahead, we will continue to examine Volkswagen’s attempts to mislead consumers and deceive the government. And we will continue to pursue the individuals responsible for orchestrating this damaging conspiracy.”