European Consumer Protection Bodies Warned VW of ‘Deadline’ for Repairing Controversial Cars

European consumer protection bodies have informed the German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) to swiftly complete the repairs of all cars equipped with the controversial software intended to falsify emissions data of harmful gases.

Volkswagen has promised to pay billions of dollars in compensation to owners of diesel cars in the United States, admitting in 2015 that they had installed software that enabled the falsification of harmful gas emission data.

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However, VW is not prepared to act similarly in the case of 8.5 million vehicles in Europe, where the chances of obtaining such compensation are lower due to different regulations.

The deadline is approaching

On Thursday, Brussels reminded that representatives of the German company, after discussions with EU Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection Vera Jourova, committed to repairing all cars with the controversial software by autumn 2017.

Therefore, yesterday, consumer protection bodies from 28 EU countries sent a joint letter to the CEO of the German company, requesting him to confirm within a month that the German company will carry out the repairs within the announced timeframe.

They also demand that VW offers legally binding guarantees that the technical solution to the problem will not affect the value of their cars, that it assists authorized dealerships, and that it is prepared to extend the deadline for free repairs if necessary.

The letter was signed by the European Commission and the Dutch consumer protection body, which has taken a leading role in this initiative.

– Consumer protection bodies can only ensure compliance with European Union consumer protection laws through joint action, Commissioner Jourova warned in a statement released on Thursday.

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– Today’s joint stance means that consumers in the EU can be assured that consumer protection bodies in member states and the European Commission are on their side and that no half-measures will be tolerated, emphasized Jourova.

If VW does not respond to the joint position expressed in the letter or if an agreement is not reached, each member state will decide on further steps independently, adds the statement from Brussels.