Latest: Class action lawsuit filed over Volkswagen emissions scandal

MILWAUKEE -- A lawsuit was filed in Wisconsin on Friday, September 25th over Volkswagen’s alleged tampering with emissions testing equipment on VW and Audi vehicles.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court -- and seeks class action status for Wisconsin residents who bought or leased a Volkswagen with a diesel engine between 2009 and 2015. Wisconsin law firms Habush Habush & Rottier SC and Hawks Quindel SC jointly filed the case.

The suit alleges that Wisconsin VW owners are entitled to damages for the loss of value of their vehicles, and other damages related to Volkswagen’s recent admission that it rigged emissions tests on its “Clean Diesel” vehicles. Several similar suits have been filed in other states after it was learned that VW installed software that switched to a clean driving mode during smog tests but reverted to higher emissions when testing was done.

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stepped down Wednesday in the wake of the shocking admission that it may have manipulated emissions data for as many as 11 million vehicles worldwide. Volkswagen programmed software to make the cars appear cleaner than they were when being tested. Once on the road, they would pump out up to 40 times the allowed level of nitrogen oxide.

Wisconsin residents interested in learning more about the case are encouraged to contact Attorney Jason Knutson at Habush Habush & Rottier SC at 608-255-6663.