News / Economy

Volkswagen under pressure to pay compensation over emissions scandal

Thursday, 15 October 2015 11:02 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 15 October 2015 1:17 PM ]

1.2m VW vehicles in UK fitted with faulty emissions device

Pressure is building on the German car-maker Volkswagen to pay compensation to Britons affected by the faulty diesel emissions.

Nine out of 10 Volkswagen drivers in Britain believe they should receive compensation, the Guardian reported. It quoted a consumer watchdog as saying that there is a growing frustration among VW owners in the UK over lack of information as how to repair the faulty parts.

Many British customers lack information about recalling and repairing of VW vehicles

The report comes as the scandal-hit Volkswagen is trying to recover from the crisis. The emissions test scandal has rocked the car-maker forcing German prosecutors to open an investigation against top former company officials.

Volkswagen had admitted fitting with defeat emissions devices in almost 1.2 million British vehicles involving a wide-range of models such as Audis, Seats and Skoda. Total 11m cars were affected by the diesel emissions worldwide.

The company has, so far, unveiled plans to invest about 6.5bn euros for recalling and repairing the damaged vehicles. But it will face a major problem if customers press for legal actions and the company is forced to make payouts.

Volkswagen announces it will modify millions of vehicles fitted with emissions 'cheat switch'

“Many VW owners tell us they decided to buy their car based on its efficiency and low environmental impact, so it’s outrageous that VW aren’t being clear with their customers about how and when they will be compensated”, said Richard Lloyd, the executive director of the consumer watchdog ‘Which’.

“Volkswagen UK must set out an urgent timetable for redress to the owners of the affected vehicles”, he said.

However, the VW managing director for UK has said that the compensation issue is still premature. Paul Willis added the recall of vehicles is also not possible before the end of 2016.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk