London - Consumer groups have attacked a decision by Volkswagen to deny compensation to the British owners of cars involved in the emissions rigging scandal.
The German car giant has announced payments worth $500 (R7000) to drivers in the US and a further $500 in credit vouchers, but said these payments would not be extended to customers in Europe.
VW admitted two months ago that it had produced 11 million cars worldwide fitted with software that cheated emission tests.
Richard Lloyds, executive director of the consumer group Which?, said the decision to rule out compensation for European customers was “outrageous”, adding: “We urge Volkswagen to reconsider and if they won’t, then the UK Government should urgently look at avenues for redress.”
Louise Ellman, chairman of the Commons Transport Select Committee, said: “I think VW are compounding their misdemeanours. I think they think they can get away with it, but that simply will not happen.”
VW told BBC Radio 4 it was committed to putting right any cars affected, but was “not planning any further financial payouts”. As things stand, it is a commercial decision, but that could change if drivers take legal action claiming damages or loss as a result of the company’s actions.
Yet while the affected cars abroad will at least be recalled, VW is taking no action at all in South Africa, citing that the cars do meet local emissions standards. More on that HERE .
Daily Mail