Agitated VW clients demand reparations!
In a significant development, the Austrian consumer protection association, VSV, has taken legal action against Volkswagen (VW) at the Vienna Commercial Court. The lawsuit, filed on July 11, 2023, seeks damage compensation for all affected car owners who have not joined a class action, amounting to approximately 1.2 billion euros.
The lawsuit stems from the revelation nearly a decade ago that VW manipulated their engines with special shut-off devices during the diesel emissions scandal. This deception, which led to increased emissions of harmful pollutants, affected an estimated 300,000 VW customers in Austria.
The VSV is urging affected customers to secure their claims quickly, as the claims for compensation from affected car owners in Austria are about to expire. To facilitate this, they are working with a law firm to ensure that the claims of all affected car owners are fully considered in the lawsuit.
In a bold move, a process financer has taken on the lawsuit risk against VW. If the injunctive relief lawsuit is successful, the investment fund behind the process financer will receive a 37 percent success fee. Anyone who participates in the lawsuit will be represented by a law firm specializing in group actions, which has already been successful in several similar lawsuits against car manufacturers.
The responsible party for the lawsuit has issued harsh tones towards VW: "If you want peace, prepare for war. That's what we did with VW." This is not the first legal action against VW related to the diesel scandal, as ongoing legal scrutiny in Europe and actions in other jurisdictions attest.
Despite Volkswagen's Dieselgate settlements worth up to $14.7 billion in compensation, mainly focused on the U.S. market, no verified information about the current status of the Austrian lawsuit is found in the search results. The total compensation sought in the Austrian lawsuit remains a significant figure, reflecting the ongoing impact of the emissions scandal on VW's reputation and customer trust.
Current, former, used car buyers, and lessees can participate in the lawsuit. As the case progresses, it is crucial for affected customers to stay informed and take action to secure their rights. The VSV encourages all eligible parties to join the large action against VW.
As the legal battle unfolds, Volkswagen faces renewed scrutiny and the potential for substantial financial repercussions. The company only pays compensation if it is sued, making this lawsuit a critical step towards securing justice for affected customers in Austria.
- In light of the ongoing legal actions against Volkswagen, the automotive industry and the transportation sector may face increased scrutiny regarding the ethical practices in finance and business processes.
- The Austrian lawsuit against Volkswagen is a significant move that could potentially redefine the compensation standards in the automotive industry for customers affected by such emissions scandals.
- The success of the lawsuit against Volkswagen may set a precedent for legal actions against other corporations in the finance, transportation, and automotive sectors, ensuring accountability and consumer protection.
