Volkswagen emissions scandal: U.S. state of Kentucky sues Volkswagen AG
In a latest development to the ongoing Volkswagen emission scandal, the U.S. state of Kentucky has sued the carmaker. The Attorney General of Kentucky, Andy Beshear has told Reuters that Volkswagen willfully violated the state's Consumer Protection Act by promoting their diesel engines in a fraudulent manner.
In an official statement, Andy Beshear stated that 'Volkswagen must be held accountable for its false and misleading promotion and sales of its vehicles in the Commonwealth'. The suit filed in the Franklin City Court by Beshear also mentions Porsche and Audi. Apart from seeking civil penalties the suit is also seeking an injunction against similar future practices by the company.
In the United States, apart from the state of Kentucky, the carmaker is also being sued by the states of New Jersey, New Mexico, West Virginia and Texas. Â The carmaker had admitted previously to selling 11 million vehicles globally that were equipped with an emissions cheating 'defeat device'.
This software can detect when a vehicle is being tested for emissions. During the tests duration it cuts down the emissions to permissible limits. With the engine running in normal mode, it was found to emit 40 times the permitted levels of nitrogen oxide.
More from OVERDRIVE on the Volkswagen emissions scandal:
Volkswagen emissions scandal: US Justice Department sends subpoena under bank fraud law
Volkswagen emissions scandal: Former CEO was told about defeat device
Martin Winterkorn resigns as Volkswagen Group CEO in wake of emissions scandal