EU Commissioner Presses Volkswagen for Dieselgate Compensation in Europe
Elżbieta Bieńkowska calls on Volkswagen to match US-style goodwill payments for European owners affected by the emissions scandal, citing fairness and company reputation.
Elżbieta Bieńkowska, European Commissioner for Industry, has called on Volkswagen Group to reconsider its refusal to compensate European customers affected by the Dieselgate emissions scandal. In January 2016, Bieńkowska urged the German carmaker to provide a goodwill package similar to that already offered to US owners of vehicles fitted with illegal emissions software.
Volkswagen's response to the emissions scandal has differed sharply between the US and Europe. In the United States, owners of affected diesel vehicles were offered a $500 prepaid card, another $500 in dealer credit, and three years of free roadside assistance. The company moved quickly to repair its reputation in North America with these payments and services.
In contrast, Volkswagen's spokesperson confirmed in November 2015 that the group had no intention of offering similar compensation to European owners. The company cited differences in legal frameworks between the US and EU, and the scale of the issue: around 8.5 million of the affected vehicles are in Europe, far more than in the US. Additional compensation would have created further financial strain on the group, which was already facing huge costs for recalls and legal settlements.
Commissioner demands equal treatment and transparency
Bieńkowska argued that the issue of compensation went beyond legal differences, saying it affected public trust in Volkswagen as a responsible and trustworthy company. She demanded not only parity in goodwill packages for European customers but also transparency from Volkswagen. The commissioner requested precise figures for affected vehicles in each EU country and called for more information about the upcoming recall programme.
Recall arrangements also varied by country. In Germany, owners of affected vehicles would be required to bring their cars in for updates, while in Slovakia and other countries, participation would likely be voluntary. This inconsistent approach added to concerns among European regulators and customers.
Volkswagen faces mounting pressure in Europe
The commissioner's intervention highlighted the growing frustration among European officials and owners. While Volkswagen acted swiftly in the US, its reluctance to offer similar terms in Europe risked further reputational damage in its largest market. The company faced calls not only for compensation but also for clearer communication and a more unified recall process across the EU.
Volkswagen's position remained unchanged at the time. The group maintained that its response in Europe would focus on technical fixes rather than financial compensation. As the recall programme rolled out, European customers and regulators continued to press for more information and fairer treatment.
