Up to now, Volkswagen has mostly avoided large fines or compensating consumers in Europe from its diesel emissions scandal. The European Commission, however, could change that, as it is currently investigating whether the automaker broke two consumer laws shared among 20 countries in the European Union.
In a news conference held yesterday, EU Consumer Commissioner Vera Jourova said VW may have violated the Consumer Sales and Guarantees Directive, which “prohibits companies from touting exaggerated environmental claims in their sales pitches,” Reuters reports. VW may have also been in violation of the Unfair Commercial Practises Directive.
Jourova hinted the Commission could take “strong action” against VW, but not before it completes its investigation and meets with consumer groups and the automaker. “I cannot say I am going to take a stricter approach,” Jourova said. “I want them to look at the valid legislation and see what they have to do.”
Volkswagen disagreed with the Commission’s findings, though it said it is in “regular and constructive dialogue” with authorities, Reuters reports.
A number of EU countries have launched separate efforts to punish the automaker including Germany, which hopes to levy a heavy fine on the automaker. Meanwhile, VW is challenging a recent ruling in Italy demanding $5.6 million in fines for misleading consumers, and it faces other investigation from other countries including South Korea.
In the U.S., VW is expected to shell out $15.3 billion in fines, in addition to more money it will pay to compensate affected consumers and dealerships. The automaker has no plans to compensate owners in Europe, despite requests from the Commission to do so.
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