SACRAMENTO – A Redding couple is suing an automobile manufacturer over allegations it violated U.S. environmental law by putting a "defeat device" in its cars that would temporarily reduce emissions in order to pass inspection.
Charles Roberson and Charlene Roberson filed a complaint on Feb. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division against Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Volkswagen Group of America Inc. citing fraud, breach of implied warranty, breach of contract and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they purchased a new vehicle equipped with an emissions control defeat device from the defendant. They hold Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Volkswagen Group of America Inc. responsible because the defendants allegedly manufactured automobiles with the device, despite of the environmental laws in place, to pass emissions tests. They allege they would have not purchased the vehicle had they known of the defeat device.
The plaintiffs seek the following: actual damages, restitution, court costs, injunctive and equitable relief. They are represented by Stephen G. Recordon of Recordon & Recordon in San Diego.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division Case number 2:16-at-00166