In the wake of the recent revelations that Volkswagen tampered with emissions testing systems on eleven million cars, owners of the company’s vehicles are getting few answers from government or company officials about solutions to the pollution issues raised by their rigged cars.
In California, one woman purchased a new VW diesel Passat just days before news of the scandal broke, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Chronicle notes that Breese Berkowitz of Walnut Creek bought the Passat based on the car’s environmentally-friendly image, and is now furious at the company for its fraudulent behavior.
But like other Volkswagen owners, Berkowitz is getting little satisfaction from the company. A California Air Resources Board (CARB) spokesman stated that VW has until mid-November to advice CARB on how the company will be fixing the emissions problems. At that time, CARB expects to reach agreement with VW on a recall letter to be sent to owners of the rigged cars.
Until then, he advised owners to continue getting required smog checks and noted that vehicle registrations would be renewed for VWs. CARB was involved in discovering the VW emissions cheating.
Still, even after vehicles are fixed, Volkswagen may remain in legal battles if the vehicles’ performance suffers. Some experts believe that, without the rigged emissions systems, the company’s cars will suffer worse fuel mileage and impaired performance capabilities.
The experts’ advice: hang tight, drive the cars as little as possible, don’t breathe the fumes, and consult an attorney.