Massive number of Dutch individuals receive financial reimbursement
Volkswagen Settles Diesel Emissions Scandal in the Netherlands
Volkswagen has reached a settlement in a long-running legal dispute over its use of illegal emissions software in diesel vehicles sold in the Netherlands. The settlement, which covers over 100,000 affected customers, is a significant victory and a crucial step towards resolving the diesel emissions issue in an important European market.
The settlement, worth millions of euros, spares affected individuals from having to file individual lawsuits. The 'Car Claim' foundation, led by Guido van Woerkom, will handle the compensation claims. The settlement concludes five lawsuits brought by Dutch consumer organizations against Volkswagen, the national importer, and the dealers.
The settlement covers diesel models with the EA-189 engine sold between 2008 and 2015. According to Van Woerkom, the settlement is an 'appropriate solution' for Dutch customers. He felt 'betrayed by Volkswagen's software,' expressing a sentiment shared by many affected customers.
Volkswagen has admitted to selling at least 11 million manipulated vehicles worldwide since September 2015. The current settlement is not the only legal action related to this issue, but it is the first in the Netherlands. Dutch lawyer Quirijn Bongaerts, representing the 'Diesel Emissions Justice' foundation, noted that the legal dispute lasted around six years before the settlement was reached.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and Renault are among other manufacturers accused by Bongaerts and the 'Diesel Emissions Justice' foundation of using illegal emissions systems in their vehicles. The 'Car Claim' foundation will continue pursuing cases against these manufacturers.
The cost and legal liabilities associated with this settlement are not specified in the provided article. However, Volkswagen has confirmed the settlement and has stated that it is a significant step towards resolving the diesel issue. The cleanup related to this scandal has cost Volkswagen over 32 billion euros to date.
Compensation amounts vary between 300 and 2,500 euros, depending on the vehicle type, purchase date, and the number of claims made. Claims must be submitted via the website dieselakkoord.nl by December 10, 2025.
This settlement could serve as a precedent for similar cases in other countries. A trade court ruled in 2021 that VW was fundamentally obligated to pay compensation, paving the way for this settlement. The settlement is another step towards restoring trust in Volkswagen and the automotive industry as a whole.
Read also:
- Duty on cotton imported into India remains unchanged, as U.S. tariffs escalate to their most severe levels yet
- Steak 'n Shake CEO's supposed poor leadership criticism sparks retaliation from Cracker Barrel, accusing him of self-interest
- President von der Leyen's address at the Fourth Renewable Hydrogen Summit, delivered remotely
- Unveiling Innovation in Propulsion: A Deep Dive into the Advantages and Obstacles of Magnetic Engines
