The Justice Department has sued Volkswagen in federal court over its alleged use of emissions-cheating software in more than 600,000 diesel vehicles sold in the United States.
The suit claims that VW installed software in its diesel vehicles that allowed them to pass the Environmental Protection Agency’s laboratory tests, but then spewed up to 40 times the legal limit of pollutants during normal driving. VW initially denied the allegations, but has since admitted to the cheat.
“Car manufacturers that fail to properly certify their cars and that defeat emission control systems breach the public trust, endanger public health and disadvantage competitors,” John C. Cruden, the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, told NBC News.
He added: “The United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation’s clean air laws alleged in the complaint.”
VW could face fines and penalties totaling more than $18 billion if it’s found guilty of cheating the federal Clean Air Act. In addition to hefty fines from the U.S. government, VW is also facing a sea of lawsuits from disgruntled diesel owners. The German automaker could also face stiff repercussions from other world governments.
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