Fine Volkswagen AG for unfair commercial practices

Volkswagen AG placed defeat device software in cars of its Volkswagen, SEAT, ŠKODA and Audi brands manufactured between 2009 and 2015. This software recognized the test environment and ensured that the nitrogen oxide emissions in that environment were lower than in real driving conditions on the road.

At the same time, Volkswagen AG advertised itself to customers as an environmentally-conscious and green-minded organization. It also claimed that type approval had been obtained for the affected cars, even though the terms of approval had in actual fact not been satisfied. Volkswagen AG thus violated the requirements of professional diligence and misled consumers. For this violation of the rules, ACM has imposed a fine on Volkswagen AG of EUR 450,000 in total.

Volkswagen has filed an appeal against ACM’s fining decision.