Volkswagen has violated the trade rules in force in the Member States of the Union, engaging in "unfair" conduct. This was reiterated today by the European commissioner for justice Vera Jourova who also invited European consumers to turn to the courts in order to obtain compensation for damages.
The dieselgate scandal risks costing the German automaker dearly. The damage is now acts is "we can not act as if nothing has happened," continued Jourova.
We recall that, up to now, Volkswagen has refused to indemnify European customers contrary to what it has done in the USA.
During the summer, the executive launched a consultation, involving consumer organizations and national authorities who monitor compliance with trade rules. The results will be announced during the meetings scheduled for 8 and 29 September. Among the issues on the agenda is the possibility of collective redress against the German car manufacturer.
According to current legislation, in the event of violation of fair commercial practices, the various governments must deal with it individually. To avoid conflicting treatments, Commissioner Jourova has invited the national authorities to examine the matter very carefully and to ensure "the best protection and the best reparation within the framework of current laws as quickly as possible"
The German weekly Die Wet speaks of a real risk for Volkswagen, "threatened after the USA with having to face billions in fines in the EU as well and a wave of requests for compensation for damages". Volkswagen will pay a total of about 15 billion dollars in the US to settle the score with American motorists.
