Blumenthal, Markey: Volkswagen 'Goodwill Package' Insultingly Inadequate

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on Volkswagen’s (VW) announcement today that it will be offering VW car owners a ‘goodwill package’ of $1,000 cash, following admissions that the company installed ‘defeat device’ software to evade auto-emission requirements:

“This offer is an insultingly inadequate amount – a fig leaf attempting to hide the true depths of Volkswagen’s deception. Perhaps more egregiously, the company may ask owners to sign away their right to legal action and just compensation. Volkswagen should offer every owner a buy-back option. The company should state clearly and unequivocally that every owner has the right to sue. It should offer every owner who wants to keep her car full compensation for the loss of resale value, fuel economy, and other damage caused by its purposeful deception. Volkswagen should cooperate fully with federal criminal and civil investigations that will provide redress for taxpayers as well car owners – the company needs to get serious.”

###