Currently reading: VW emissions scandal: Federal Trade Commission sues over ‘Clean Diesel’ ads
FTC begins a lawsuit, claiming Volkswagen deceived customers with its ‘Clean Diesel’ campaign and caused ‘billions in injury’

The US Federal Trade Commission will sue Volkswagen in the wake of the ongoing emissions scandal, alleging that the manufacturer misled customers with its ‘Clean Diesel’ advertising.

Citing "billions [of dollars] in injury" as a consequence of the ad campaign, the FTC said it was aiming to win compensation for customers who bought or leased a car affected by the emissions scandal. It also said it sought an injunction to ”prevent Volkswagen from engaging in this type of conduct again”.

The FTC put the number of vehicles implicated in the scandal at 550,000, with an average price of $28,000 (around £19,500), with the most expensive affected Audi models topping $100,000. The expected cost to Volkswagen has not been announced, but it’s likely to be linked to Volkswagen’s claim that the cars would have high residual values.

The adverts in question included TV spots aired during the Super Bowl, as well as other advertising methods, including social media and print campaigns. The main message of the adverts was the lessened environmental impact inflicted by the diesel engines, which, in fact, were fitted with defeat devices used to disguise the cars’ emissions under testing.

The FTC is a US government agency, set up to protect consumers, and prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce".

A Volkswagen spokesman said: “Volkswagen has received the complaint and continues to co-operate with all relevant US regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission. Our most important priority is to find a solution to the diesel emissions matter and earn back the trust of our customers and dealers as we build a better company.”

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Just how good is the mighty Volkswagen Golf? The seventh generation of Europe's best selling car has been facelifted to keep its nose ahead of its rivals

Join the debate

Comments
9
Add a comment…
mpls 30 March 2016

Europe won't do anything

Europe won't do anything because simply put, Europe is really run by Germany, since VW has such close ties with the German government (also rememeber all the dodgy going ons VW had with bribes and stuff), they are not going to get investigated properly, whateevr they are doing now is for show only. VW is too important to the German economy. On a seperate note Germany hides behind the Euro to sell its cars in Europe and around the world.
For the above reasons VW will get away with it in Europe...
db 30 March 2016

The horrible truth

It seems amazing that some people can stand up for what is a multinational car manufacturer that has created brand a smoke screen of brand led buyers. No matter how good the brand makes you feel the company ethos is utterly disgusting if they think it was and still is to an extent we do not yet know, ok to cover up and lie, then I for one would body swerve their products. Its quite ironic because some of their products are now in their latest generation of shared floorplans and drive trains catching up with the rest, pity the styling is photocopy dull though. Europe should but wont take them on just like our government still haven't sorted out the bankers who have left us all a nice legacy of debt but kept their bonuses! Capitalism needs checks and balances this is unfortunately left to the courts and lawyers in America(banks have been fined more there than anywhere else and we as tax payers have indirectly stumped up!) ironic or what !!
Winston Churchill 30 March 2016

FADYADY

Ady, Do us all a favour and confess the reason for your hatred of VW please. You comment on every single thread. Can you admit it and explain it? You're desperately boring.