The automaker knowingly deceived the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and thousands of customers. As legal proceedings unfold, underscoring the importance of process serving, including the crucial step of meticulous process serving, Volkswagen, no longer denying the accusations, will be tried in court to determine the appropriate punishment.

An Impending Court Decision For Volkswagen

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller has reportedly met with representatives in an attempt to control the damage.
Image: Detriot News

According to John Cruden, the head of the Justice Department’s environment and natural resources division, the punishment will fit the crime.

“The United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation’s clean air laws. Car manufacturers that fail to properly certify their cars and that defeat emission control systems breach the public trust, endanger public health and disadvantage competitors,” Assistant Attorney General John Cruden told Gas2.

Volkswagen may face bankruptcy if the company is charged with $48 billion worth of fines. Matthias Mueller, who became the company’s CEO on Sept. 25. 2015, is reportedly working with the EPA and political representatives to gain a favorable outcome.

However, the consequences of bankruptcy are looming. If Volkswagen tanks, thousands of German workers will be out of a job.

Accepting The Consequences

Volkswagen customers have the right to file against the automaker’s fraudulent claims.
Image: IB Times

European regulatory agencies are satisfied with Volkswagen’s restitution program. The company sold a larger portion of the 11 million affected vehicles in Europe, but it seems that the American justice department plans to hand out harsher punishments.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, reportedly said the funds collected from the trial outcome should be invested in electric vehicles. There’s no doubt that funding the development of electric vehicles will be of great benefit to the population, but customers duped by the emissions cheating software still have the legal right to seek restitution.

Owners of affected vehicles might be entitled to compensation. Learn more about eligibility by requesting a free case evaluation today.

The post U.S. Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against VW appeared first on Citizens Report.

But in order to understand the problem, consumers must first be aware of the differences between gas and diesel vehicles. A major difference between the two types of fuel is the chemical process used to convert it into energy, and how that translates into power, efficiency and environmental impact.

Gas-Powered Cars

Gasoline, the most common fuel source, produces a simple and easily cleaned exhaust.
Image: Wonderopolis

Most cars are equipped with gasoline engines. The majority of American cars utilize gas as fuel, which is turned into a chemical compound that is mixed with air and ignited by a spark. The vapor mixture combusts, expands and puts pressure on a piston that puts the vehicle in motion.

When fuel combusts, it releases toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide. However, automakers have discovered a simple, easy ways to remove the poisonous chemicals from gas exhaust. Materials such as platinum bind to the carbon monoxide and convert it to carbon dioxide, which is more harmful to the environment than it is for humans.

Diesel Fuel Vehicles

The combustion process for diesel fuel releases more harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Image: Big Road

Diesel vehicles are able to turn fuel into power without a spark. The diesel engines combust a similar compound of fuel and air with high heat and pressure, but the process can produce more power and propel larger vehicles forward. You may want to check out this pre-owned vehicle from Autozin if you’re looking for a car with a great performance. It’s also time to consider buying 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby at Revology.

This means that diesel fuel produces more energy and combusts more efficiently, which translates into a better fuel economy. These vehicles will consume less fuel while traveling farther distances.

While diesel cars may bring in more bang for your buck, they have a destructive effect on the environment. Volkswagen diesel vehicles, touted as a green alternative, emit up to 40 times the allowable levels of air pollution because the fuel is less refined.

Diesel exhaust not only contributes more heavily to climate change, it also impacts human health by releasing a chemical combination of noxious oxide (NOx). NOx irritates the eyes and throat, worsens asthma and causes cardiovascular issues.

In order to reduce the amount of NOx being released during emissions tests, Volkswagen installed a filter to clean the exhaust. The problem is that the filter only runs once every ten minutes at the risk of reducing power and fuel efficiency.

The EPA is demanding Volkswagen repair the NOx filters, which would slow down vehicles and make them less efficient. Once the fix is complete, it’s likely that consumers won’t be as happy with their falsely-advertised vehicles.

If you or a loved one purchased a Volkswagen or Audi vehicle installed with fraudulent emissions software, you may be entitled to compensation.

Complete a free case evaluation to learn more about compensation eligibility.

The post Know The Difference Between Diesel And Gas Powered Cars appeared first on Citizens Report.

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.
Image: Flip Html 5

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.
Image: Alcohol Treatment

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.

The post Should Owners Of VW Diesel Cars Accept Company Gift Cards? appeared first on Citizens Report.

The Takata airbag recall, one of the largest in history, has expanded to include newer models and side door inflators.

If you thought the Takata airbag recall was bad news, brace yourself for the situation to get even worse. Investigators have discovered that more than just front vehicle airbags pose a danger to consumers.

The investigation has expanded to include side airbags that could potentially rupture and expel metal fragments. The pieces of metal strewn through the air could seriously injure passengers in both the front and back seats.

Broadening The Investigation

Florida resident Stephanie Erdman suffered severe injuries in September 2013 when a Takata airbag exploded in her Honda Civic, sending metal fragments flying at her face.
Image: Japan Times

Regulators have issued a recall of more than 19 million cars that have been sold by 12 automakers in the U.S. alone. The defective airbags have caused eight deaths and multiple injuries to drivers and passengers.

The recall originally focused on older vehicles with airbags that include metal casings to store propellant in the front seats. The expansion will include side airbag inflators in new vehicles manufactured in all model years.

The airbags are propelled by a chemical compound called ammonium nitrate. Any vehicles that contain this propellant are included in the investigation. The chemical changes as it gets older, causing it to burn differently.

“We believe that the reason these inflators are malfunctioning in this way has something to do with the type of propellant Takata is using and how Takata engineers it,” said Stephen A. Ridella, director of the safety agency’s office for vehicle crashworthiness research.

In the expanded recall, Volkswagen Tiguan 2015 models with side airbags manufactured by Takata are being called into question. General Motors had to recall almost 400 U.S. cars that also contained the defective side airbags. Chrysler said that an estimated 25,000 of their vehicles are affected.

Many other auto companies have yet to evaluate the extent of the damage. According to the agency, one in every ten ruptures causes a death. They cite more than 100 injuries believed to be linked to defective Takata airbag inflators.

Finding The Culprit

The company released a statement about the investigation, claiming that it only applied to older models with airbags that had aged over time.

“While we are still investigating the cause of this malfunction, we believe it is unrelated to the previous recalls, which the extensive data suggests were a result of aging and long-term exposure to heat and high humidity,” said Jared Levy, a Takata spokesman. “We are cooperating closely with N.H.T.S.A. and the vehicle manufacturers.”

However, Senators John Thune and Bill Nelson of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee had something else to say. In a letter to Takata, they questioned the legitimacy of the statement and requested further proof.

“Takata has repeatedly emphasized the critical role long-term exposure of vehicles to high heat and humidity may play in ruptures of its ammonium nitrate-based inflaters subject to previous recalls,” the senators wrote. “This incident, however, involved a vehicle that was less than one year old.”

Takata patents illustrate that engineers knew about the dangerous caused when ammonium nitrate interacted with moisture and temperature. The staff members claim that they attempted to remedy the problem for two decades. Going even further, former Takata engineers tried to issue a warning about the effects of ammonium nitrate in the 1990s.

Repairing Defective Inflators

Takata is attempting to provide the parts necessary to repair the airbags in recalled vehicles.
Image: Oregon Live

The Takata recall is “one of the largest and most complex auto recalls in the nation’s history,” according to the New York Times.

Mr. Levy, a Takata spokesman, said that the company is attempting to provide the necessary repair parts to remedy the issues outlined in the recall.

“Takata continues to support all efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the safety campaigns, including significantly ramping up the production of replacement kits,” he said.

The U.S. government is planning to fine Takata $70 million for its negligent handling of defective airbags.

The post Takata Airbag Recall Expands To Newer Models And Side Inflators appeared first on Citizens Report.

Volkswagen has been the topic of a recent scandal for knowingly cheating vehicle emissions tests.

Volkswagen admitted to falsifying vehicle emission tests for diesel-powered engines, leaving an estimated 11 million cars under scrutiny.

Affected Volkswagen owners who have been mislead may be entitled to compensation. Click here to find out.

The instance of cheating has undoubtedly damaged the Volkswagen reputation. In the wake of the scandal, Germany launched a criminal investigation into former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn as he steps down for new leadership.

How Many Cars Are Affected?

The scandal is most prominently related to Volkswagen’s Audi brand.
Image: Blogspot

The reputation of Audi, VW’s luxury brand, was greatly impacted by the scandal. The manufacturer admits that about 2.1 million Audi vehicles are equipped with the cheating device that allowed the German car maker to falsify emission tests.

In the U.S., 13,000 vehicles contain fraudulent emissions readers, along with  577,000 in Germany. The number is even greater in Western Europe, with about 1.42 million cars possessing the cheating software.

About 11,600 of the affected models are 2010 to 2013 A3 TDIs, which were marketed as possessing the company’s first “clean diesel” engine. Ironically enough, the Audi A3 TDI was awarded the Green Car of the Year in 2010.

About 2,400 A3 TDIs manufactured in 2015 use a different method to reduce emissions but are still equipped with the cheating device.

The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine used on the A6, Q5, and Q7 models in the U.S. is not included in the scandal.

“An internal evaluation on Friday established that a service procedure is required for some five million vehicles from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand out of a total eleven million Group vehicles worldwide,” the company said in a statement.

“These vehicles from certain models and model years (such as the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, the seventh generation Volkswagen Passat or the first generation Volkswagen Tiguan) are fitted with Type EA 189 diesel engines. All vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy.”

A Recovery Plan In The Works

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has stepped down to allow Porsche boss Matthias Mueller to take over.
Image: Inhabitat

On Sept. 28, German officials announced an official investigation into former CEO Martin Winterkorn.

But Winkerton’s mistakes have consequences that extend far beyond himself. Germany’s Deputy Finance Minister Jens Saphn said the scandal could be a serious detriment to the country’s economy, according to Reuters.

Volkswagen is not only Germany’s biggest car manufacturer. The company employs a large portion of the workforce, numbering at about 270,000 employees.

“Volkswagen is a core pillar of German engineering and for something like this to happen is a strong blow,” he said. “Getting this reputation thing resolved is going to be a herculean task.”

Wiknerton stepped down to allow Porsche boss Matthias Mueller to take the reins and attempt to propel the company to recovery mode.

Audi is currently working to release a recall plan to address the situation. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority has set Oct. 7 as the official deadline for a recall plan to be submitted.

The company plans “to get in front of the EPA and California Air Resources Board as soon as possible,” according to an Audi spokesman.

Impact on Volkswagen

The scandal has instilled fear in the hearts of Volkswagen investors, who question if recovery is possible.
Image: Amazon

Volkswagen is a 78-year-old conglomerate that continued to grow after purchasing Toyota at the beginning of 2015. The company has boasted the largest market share for automotive sales, but many are wondering how the scandal will play out.

“It is clearly a massive blow to the reputation of the company,” Christian Ludwig, automotive analyst at Bankhaus Lampe told CNBC.

Two weeks ago, market shares fell by 30 percent. On Sept. 28, they dropped again by 7 percent. The recent scandal is the largest in the company’s history, leaving many investors to wonder if recovery is even possible.

“My biggest fear is that the amount of money we are talking about, the 6.5 billion euros ($7.3 billion) that has provisioned for, is a smaller amount than Volkswagen will probably have to pay,” Juergen Pieper, head of automotive research at Bankhaus Metzler, told CNBC.

“My second concern is the duration of this scandal – it will probably take years before it sorts out all this and there’s the reputational damage too,” he added.

The company plans to use $7.3 billion to clean up the scandal, in addition to fines that are up to an estimated $18 billion.

According to the German media, a Volkswagen engineer warned the company about cheating emission testing in 2011. There’s no doubt that company would be in a much better position if they had taken the advice.

The post Volkswagen Under Fire For Falsifying Vehicle Emissions Tests appeared first on Citizens Report.

The affected Volkswagens are as follows:

• the 2014-15 Jetta
• the 2014-15 Passat
• the 2015 Golf and GTI
• the 2014-15 Beetle and Beetle Convertible

If you own an affected vehicle, you should be contacted by the dealer you purchased from.

Want to read the official press release?

The post Your Brand New Volkswagen May Catch Fire appeared first on Citizens Report.