Proceedings in Sydney yesterday (Thursday 17 December ’15) saw Volkswagen Australia in Federal Court, denying all claims that their cars had utilised “defeat devices,” designed for the express purpose of passing emissions tests.
Overnight however, the car giant’s American branch in New York has taken a decidedly different path by setting up a compensation fund for the owners of affected vehicles. Representatives of the compensation scheme have stated that they were still discussing the amount of compensation each owner will receive.
“Volkswagen’s American branch has certainly taken a very positive step forward by choosing to rightfully compensate owners for the diesel scandal. It shows a company that is willing to take responsibility for their actions and make amends,” said Charles Bannister, founder and principal of Bannister Law.
“However, Australian consumers are still receiving conflicting messages both within and beyond our class actions.”
Bannister urges Volkswagen Australia to follow the positive precedent set by their American counterpart and fast track a similar compensation scheme in Australia, in the interest of saving affected owners time and money.
photo credit: VW Badge via photopin (license)
