SAN FRANCISCO – A federal agency has filed a suit against a car manufacturer alleging that it knowingly violated U.S. environmental law by putting a "defeat device" in its cars that would temporarily reduce emissions in order to pass inspection.
Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint on March 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Volkswagen Group of America Inc., also doing business as Volkswagen of America Inc. and as Audi of America Inc., citing violation of the FTC Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that Volkswagen Group of America Inc. allegedly manufactured vehicles that contained a defeat device and knowingly sold them to the consumers without informing the customer of the device. The suit states that this may cause injuries to consumers who purchased or leased vehicles and did not receive the benefit of their bargain.
The plaintiff seeks permanent injunction against the defendant to prevent future violations, award additional relief to redress injury to consumers resulting in the violations of the FTC Act, all legal fees and any other relief as the court deems just and proper. It is represented by Jonathan Cohen, Michelle L. Schaefer, Amanda B. Kostner, Sangjoon "Simon" Han and Megan A. Bartley.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Case number 3:16-cv-01534-CRB