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Volkswagen Could Face $18 Billion Fine Over Emission-Cheating Software
After getting caught cheating on emissions testing by means of software, Volkswagen could face up to $18 billion in fines, reports USA Today. That number is based on the company being assessed the maximum penalty of $37,500 per affected vehicle. That's not the only bad news for Volkswagen, which has halted sales of its 4-cylinder diesel cars; the linked article reports that the violations "could also invite charges of false marketing by regulators, a vehicle recall and payment to car owners, either voluntarily or through lawsuits. Volkswagen advertised the cars under the 'Clean Diesel' moniker. The state of California is also investigating the emissions violations."
Is there actually any law saying they can't run the car in a special 'test mode' when being tested? Or is this just Greenie butthurt feelbads?
Although the government has been saying they are still legal to drive and sell I can't see how that is true. They do not meet the requirements to be on the road and any use should be immediately prohibited with VW ordered to repurchase all affected vehicles at original price and to pay all costs for replacement transportation until impacted drivers can obtain a US-legal alternative. Only then can we discuss the punitive damages.
This was not an accident or slight disagreement. It was blatant and intentional cheating to get a non-conforming vehicle to circumvent the tests. The whole lot of these jokers has already been discovered to "pass" EU mileage standards by running the tests at high altitude, with the belts removed to reduce drag from the alternator and other equipment. They even removed seats, overinflated the tires, taped all the seams and ran the test on a hyper-smooth track. When called on it their response was, "well yes, the test definitions should be improved but it would be unfair to alter the standards without a few year advance notice."
1. Build dirty car.
2. Insert malware to pass the tests.
3. Profit!
Until #3 turns from profit into devastating loss they will keep doing it.
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"You are not remembered for doing what is expected of you." - Atul Chitnis
Ripped off by getting better performance than they would have if the emissions controls were in 'test mode' all the time?
Citation needed.