VW Starts “Goodwill” Payment Program For Customers Affected By Diesel Scandal

The scandal started when scientists at the University of West Virginia tested several diesel vehicles from the VW line and found their emissions data to be much higher than the legal limit in the United States.

Volkswagen owners excited to receive a $500 prepaid Visa card and free towing for getting into the middle of the Volkswagen emissions scandal should read and question the fine print of the card agreement.

Volkswagen have created a website where owners of affected vehicles can enter their respective vehicle identification numbers in order to find out if they are qualified to get the $1,000 gift cards. Affected owners must register for the Goodwill Package by April 30, 2016 and comply with all Program Rules, including activating at participating dealership within one year of issuance.

To be eligible, consumers must be the registered owner or lessee of a Volkswagen diesel with the 2-liter TDI engine as of November 8. VW is also offering affected owners a new (or extended) three-year, 24-hour roadside-assistance deal.

USA officials recently expanded their investigation to larger engine cars including Porsche, Audi, and VW cars. More than 200 class-action lawsuits have been filed in the USA against VW alleging that the scandal caused the diesel cars to drop in value.

In a further setback, Fitch ratings agency on Monday slashed Volkswagen’s credit rating, saying that the cheating scandal has exposed worrying corporate dysfunctions at the German auto giant.

“There are no stipulations”, said VW spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan.

Figuring blame for Volkswagen’s dieselgate test cheating isn’t likely to happen any time soon, the company has said, arguing that rebuilding customer faith is more important.

Edmunds says: This is the first big step taken by Volkswagen to appease angry diesel owners.

Steve Kalafer said he yet hasn’t heard from any customers taking advantage of the goodwill package at his dealerships in Flemington, New Jersey.

Last week, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a second notice to Volkswagen accusing the company of installing “defeat devices” aimed at manipulating emissions tests.