Volkswagen rolled out a “Goodwill Package” for customers who purchased Volkswagen or Audi vehicles containing 2.0-liter diesel engines affected by the recent emissions scandal.

As the ashes of Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal continue to smolder, the billion dollar automaker announced a “Goodwill Package” that will serve as a consolation for customers who purchased affected vehicles.

However, lawyers are cautioning against accepting the two $500 gift cards. Agreeing to the package may, in turn, strip customers of their rights to pursue legal action.

Volkswagen’s Double-Sided Offer

The package includes two $500 gift cards and 24-hour roadside assistance for affected TDI vehicles for three years.
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In September, Volkswagen became the subject of a worldwide scandal after the company admitted to installing a cheating device in its diesel cars. The software, installed in vehicles with 2.0-liter engines such as the Audi A3, Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Passat, was able to produce a fraudulent result on emissions tests.

Other affected vehicles include a 3-liter engines 2014-2016 VW, Audi and Porsche diesel models installed with a defeat device, in addition to the 2014 VW Touareg, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5.

The company has generously offered to provide a reward for customers duped by the cheating software. However, attorneys, concerned by the ramifications the offer, are warning patrons to be wary of the underlying consequences of the agreement.

One of the cards may be used as a credit at any VW dealership while the other can be allocated to whatever the heart desires. W`ith any offer, it’s important to read the fine print.

Potential Legal Consequences Of Acceptance

Attorneys caution against blindly accepting goodwill packages that may strip customers of their legal rights.
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To receive the gift card, customers affected by the dieselgate scandal will have to sign a form that waives any legal right to a trial by jury.

“In the event of any dispute or claim relating in any way to to this agreement, customer agrees that such dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration with the American Arbitration Association, utilizing the rules and procedure of such arbitration service, further, any such arbitration shall take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the laws of the State of South Dakota shall apply,” according to the agreement’s fine print.

About 350 lawsuits have been filed against Volkswagen in the United States. If you purchased a VW vehicle model included in the scandal, you may be entitled to legal compensation that could exceed the $1,000 credit offer.

Complete a short survey to find out if you qualify for compensation.

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