Volkswagen will spend $14.7 billion to settle consumer lawsuits from the emissions cheating scandal and the deadline is quickly approaching for some to apply for restitution.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal held a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to urge drivers of cars that affected to register for the compensation soon.
“Volkswagen owners are due thousands of dollars in restitution, but they must apply for it. For consumers who already sold their cars, they must apply immediately, before a September 16 deadline. Volkswagen willfully deceived over 11 million car owners worldwide— knowingly installing fraudulent devices to cheat emissions testing. Drivers were cheated and the environment was polluted, and now consumers should be fully compensated for this outrageous deception,” Blumenthal said in a statement.
Owners of impacted VW models can choose between getting your car fixed to meet emissions standards or a full buy-back option at pre-scandal blue book value plus a restitution payment of as much as $2,986.73.
Consumers who previously owned an affected vehicle but sold the car between Sept. 18, 2015 and June 28, 2016 are eligible to receive a restitution payment of 10 percent of the vehicle’s value, plus $1,493.37, but you must register with the compensation program by September 16.
Owners who have not sold their affected vehicles have until September 2018 to apply.
Find out more on how to make a claim online.
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The settlements apply only to 2.0-liter vehicles.
The court has directed VW to continue to work on a resolution for the 3.0-liter vehicles, according to Blumenthal’s office. Owners and lessees of the affected 3.0-liter diesel vehicles do not relinquish any of their rights as to those vehicles in these settlements, but must wait for the court to decide on the details of their compensation.
