WASHINGTON, United States. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil suit against Volkswagen AG for allegedly violating environmental laws through its use of software to cheat emissions tests.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the nation’s top law enforcement agency in the lawsuit filed on Monday against the German automaker.
The suit alleges VW illegally installed software designed to make its diesel engines pass federal emissions standards in violation of the Clean Air Act.
In theory, VW could face fines exceeding $90bn (£61bn) – or as much as $37,500 per vehicle per violation of the law, based on the complaint. In September, government regulators initially said VW could face fines in excess of $18bn.
Assistant Attorney General John Cruden, head of the department’s environment and natural resources division, said: “The United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation’s clean air laws.”
The civil lawsuit does not preclude the US government from pursing criminal charges, the official added.
Volkswagen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The company first admitted in September that the cheating software was included in its diesel cars sold since the 2009 model year.
The removal of the software resulted in greenhouse gas emissions up to 40 times greater than federal standards, US officials said.
VW is in the process of negotiating a massive mandatory recall with US regulators.
The automaker is also facing an EU inquiry over the scandal, which is said to have impacted up to 11 million vehicles worldwide.
Credit: Sky News
