New Mexico files lawsuit against Volkswagen over diesel emissions scandal
New Mexico has joined several US states in suing Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche, alleging violations of state air quality laws and deceptive marketing tied to the diesel emissions scandal.
Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal began in 2015, when it was revealed that the company had installed software in millions of vehicles to cheat emissions tests. The software allowed cars to pass laboratory tests while emitting pollutants at levels far above legal limits during real-world driving. This affected around 11 million vehicles globally and led to a wave of legal and regulatory action in multiple countries.
Background: The Diesel Emissions Scandal
Details of New Mexico’s Lawsuit
New Mexico’s Attorney General Hector Balderas filed suit in state district court against Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and their US subsidiaries. The lawsuit claims that between 4,000 and 10,000 vehicles equipped with emissions-cheating software were sold or leased in New Mexico. Prosecutors argue that these actions violated the state’s air quality standards and misled consumers through deceptive advertising, which promoted the vehicles as environmentally friendly and low-emission.
- The lawsuit seeks damages for harm to air quality and consumer trust.
- It alleges that Volkswagen’s advertising misrepresented the environmental impact of its diesel vehicles.
- The legal action targets both the manufacturers and their US subsidiaries.
Wider Legal and Regulatory Actions
New Mexico’s case is part of a broader effort by US states and federal authorities to hold Volkswagen accountable. Other states, such as Texas and West Virginia, as well as Harris County, Texas, have filed similar lawsuits. The US Department of Justice has also taken action, suing Volkswagen for violating the federal Clean Air Act, with potential penalties reaching up to $46 billion. Additionally, more than 500 civil lawsuits have been consolidated before a federal judge in California.
| Entity | Type of Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Texas, West Virginia, Harris County (TX) | State lawsuits | Filed |
| US Department of Justice | Federal lawsuit (Clean Air Act) | Ongoing |
| 48 State Attorneys General | Investigations | Ongoing |
| Over 500 Civil Suits | Consolidated litigation | Ongoing |
Investigations by 48 state attorneys general are ongoing. Some officials have criticised Volkswagen for withholding documents by citing German law, which has slowed progress in US-based probes. The company continues to face regulatory scrutiny and recalls in other markets, including Europe and Asia.
Consequences for Volkswagen and Vehicle Owners
For affected owners in New Mexico, the outcome of the lawsuit may lead to compensation or buyback offers, depending on the court’s decision. Volkswagen’s response to the scandal has included technical fixes and recalls for impacted vehicles, with similar measures seen in Europe. US franchise dealers have also sought compensation for losses tied to the scandal. The ongoing legal actions add to Volkswagen’s global liabilities and continue to affect its reputation and financial standing.
