Volkswagen has given a commitment to “repair” the vehicles belonging to European consumers who bought a car fitted with a defeat device that delivered erroneous results in NOx emissions tests, to provide them with proof that the car complies fully with the requirements of European law once the repair has been carried out and to keep them informed in full transparency, the European Commission said on Thursday 22 September.
The announcement was presented by Justice and Consumers Commissioner Vera Jourova, the day after her meeting with Dr Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, a member of the Volkswagen board of management, as the first stage in a wider plan.
“Volkswagen has committed to an EU-wide action plan today, which is an important step towards a fair treatment of consumers. I will closely monitor this commitment”, the commissioner said in a press release.
“This plan will be carried out within a defined timeframe and will include an explanation on the process for affected consumers in each country. Volkswagen commits to inform the customers by end 2016 and to have all cars repaired by autumn 2017”, stated Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.
At this stage it is impossible to say whether Volkswagen is considering some kind of financial compensation for European consumers in the event that the repair reduces the performance of the engine. When asked, the Commission sidestepped the question. A high-ranking official told EUROPE that “the details of the action plan will be sent to the European Commission next week”.
Jourova is remaining in contact with the European Consumers’ Office, BEUC, which next week will organise a conference on 'dieselgate' and compensation for European consumers. She will also meet with national enforcement authorities on 6 October. Further meetings with representatives of Volkswagen are planned for the coming weeks (see EUROPE 11620). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)