January 5, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that a lawsuit has been filed against Volkswagen (VW) for violations of environmental laws related to an emissions cheating scandal.
Prosecutors are seeking billions of dollars in penalties from VW, Audi, and Porsche for violations of the Clean Air Act. According to Reuters, the auto-makers could potentially face fines up $48 billion. However, analysts say the fine will probably be far lower.
The lawsuit (PDF) accuss VW of selling nearly 600,000 cars in the United States with the illegal software since 2009. In September, VW admitted equipping certain 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter diesel engines with a “defeat device” that detects when the car is being tested for emissions and reduces pollution during the test.
On the road, the cars emit toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx) up to 40X the acceptable level. NOx pollution can cause lung problems, especially in children, the elderly, and people with risk-factors:
“These pollutants are linked with asthma and other serious respiratory illnesses. Exposure to ozone and particulate matter is also associated with premature death due to respiratory-related or cardiovascular-related effects.”
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)