VW compensation numbers could be much higher than first estimated

The UK national press reports that as many as two million UK car owner could receive compensation from Volkswagen as a High Court battle over the emissions scandal gets underway next week.

Over a million VWs, Seats, Audis and Skodas in the UK were found to be fitted with a device that masks emission levels, allowing them to pass tests for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. It has been reported that these devices could be present in 11 million vehicles worldwide.

According to the Mirror and the Daily Mail, 20,000 owners have signed up to the class action ahead of Monday’s first court showdown, which is open to anyone who owned an car with the device fitted, dating back to 2009. If the High Court action is successful, each owner could receive up to £3,000 in compensation.

In the US, Volkswagen has settled a class action which means 650 US car dealers will be paid an average of $1.85 million each over 18 months. US District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the settlement “fair, reasonable, and adequate”.

Volkswagen has recalled affected cars in the UK, with a fix implemented to reduce emissions.