Consumers’ Authority ponders investigation over VW emissions scandal

The Malta Consumers and Competition Authority said it is considering launching a local investigation into the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

“The European Commission recently requested information related to the case from all EU member states,” the MCCA said in a statement. “We believe in a coordinated European approach to the case, as it is an issue that affects the entire single market. Nevertheless, we are considering opening up a local investigation in light of legal prohibitions against unfair commercial practices.”

Vokswagen, the largest carmaker in the world, admitted last year that it had installed devices in its diesel engines to detect when they were being tested for emissions levels, and so improve test results.

The Consumers’ Association said on Wednesday that Maltese owners of cars affected by the scandal should be compensated for the scandal, in a similar manner as US car dealers were recently compensated.  

The German company said earlier this week that it will compensate US car dealers impacted by the scandal. It did not reveal the exact amount it would fork out to dealers, but Reuters new agency reported that it was in the region of $1.2 billion.

“We believe this agreement in principle with Volkswagen dealers ins a very important step in our commitment to making things right for all of our stakeholders in the United States,” said Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of VW’s North American region.