Blumenthal Statement on FTC Commitment to Probe Into VW Emissions Scandal

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, issued the following statement after Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Edith Ramirez confirmed today that the agency will conduct a probe into the Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal:

“FTC’s oversight is helpful and necessary to protect VW customers. Consumers bought VW’s cars under the impression these cars were fuel efficient – improving both air quality and gas savings. The stickers on the windshield of the cars advertised a specific miles-per-gallon estimate, and now consumers are being told their cars may perform worse and guzzle more gas after getting the fix to bring the car into compliance with emissions standards. Adding even more injury, these cars’ resale value is now much less than owners believed it to be when they purchased their cars. VW’s deception is costing consumers money, and FTC must use its authority to punish the company, but more importantly, provide financial relief to consumers.”

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