VW to Pay $6.5 Million to Consumers, State of Vermont in Settlement

Owners of Each Eligible Vehicle to Receive Up to $1,000

 Attorney General T.J. Donovan has announced a $6.5 million settlement with Volkswagen and related entities Porsche and Audi. The settlement resolves alleged violations of Vermont’s consumer protection laws involving VW’s false advertising claims about so-called “Clean Diesel” cars and the diesel engine emissions scandal. Under the settlement, VW has agreed to pay Vermont consumers up to $1,000 for every qualifying vehicle. Vermont is one of two states in which consumers will receive restitution payments as a result of a state enforcement action.

“This is good news for Vermonters,” said Attorney General Donovan. “Vermonters expect and deserve truth in advertising – especially when it comes to making decisions involving environmental impacts,” he said.

Vermonters will receive a total of $2.9 million dollars in direct consumer restitution. Vermonters are eligible to receive payments regardless of whether they have received money from other VW-related settlements. VW will also pay $3.6 million into the State’s general fund.[1]

The settlement covers certain VW, Audi, and Porsche diesel vehicles model years 2009-2016 sold and leased in Vermont. A complete listing of covered vehicles is below.

This settlement resolves the State’s lawsuit for violations of the Consumer Protection Act and is in addition to a previous settlement of more than $4.2 million, which addressed violations of Vermont’s environmental laws and rules.

A third-party claims administrator will be selected to help identify harmed consumers. A letter and claim form will be sent to those consumers, and they will have 90 days to return their completed claim form and collect up to $1,000 in restitution, if eligible. Consumers will have another 90 days to cash their checks once received. Eligible consumers will receive compensation even if they have already received restitution from VW as part of the earlier VW buyback program.

Covered Vehicles:

2.0 Liter Diesel Models

3.0- Liter Diesel Models

            For more information about the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit, go to: http://ago.vermont.gov/about-the-attorney-generals-office/divisions/consumer-resources/