Volkswagen Claims Exhaust Software Meets European Legal Requirements

Barely one month after a $US15billion civil settlement in North America, Volkswagen’s so-called ‘Dieselgate’ saga took another twist with the company claiming its exhaust system software does not breach European law.

News agency Reuters, quoting reports on German broadcasters NDR, WDR, and in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, speculates Volkswagen’s latest missive may be intended to bolster its position ahead of rumoured extra compensation claims in Europe.

While Volkswagen has agreed to the cash payouts in North America, the German giant has declined any suggestion from the European Commission for compensation to owners.

The latest development - in what is already one of the automotive industry’s biggest legal cases - follows a decision last month in a Spanish court which went in favour of an individual owner and fined Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary - a significant development given Spain is also home to the Volkswagen-owned Seat brand which employs thousands of workers.

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