On September 18, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a report accusing Volkswagen of fixing emissions testing results. The EPA stated that the car manufacturer had installed defeat devices on nearly eleven million cars worldwide sold since 2008.
As a result of this accusation, it is anticipated that Volkswagen will set aside billions of dollars in damages. Why are the defeat devices that were installed on those millions of cars a big deal? Here’s what you need to know.
What the Devices Do
The defeat devices that Volkswagen admits to installing on millions of vehicles worldwide (not just in the U.S. but abroad as well) falsifies test results. When this software is running, emissions tests indicate that the cars equipped with the software are cleaner (or more eco-friendly) than they actually are. Why does this matter?
Consumers that have purchased a diesel-powered car from Volkswagen (sold in 2008 or later) were likely banking on the notion that these cars had a high resale value simply due to the eco-friendly factor. Now that these cars aren’t as clean as Volkswagen claimed they were, those people have likely lost a significant amount when it comes to the resale value of those cars - but this isn’t the only reason to be concerned.
A Higher Price from the Start
Some people that purchased a VW with a defeat device may have paid a higher price. Various VW models sold since 2008 that are now devalued were sold at a much higher rate simply due to emissions test results. Now that the cars are not as clean as was once thought, those people that did pay a higher rate deserve to be compensated.
Getting Your Money Back
Right now, as you’re reading this article, VW is preparing to pay out billions in damages; however, it is still too early in the process to know the extent of their wrongdoing. Contact us today if you think that you have been impacted by Volkswagen's deception, and put our experience to work for you. Together, we’ll strive to get you the maximum compensation under the law. You can reach us at (800) 391-4337 or schedule a consultation online.
