MPs have accused Volkswagen of leading UK consumers on ‘a merry dance’ over the emissions scandal.
The Transport Select Committee is to recall both transport minister John Hayes and VW to question them on progress made in fixing vehicles and ensuring appropriate redress for drivers affected by the firm’s use of ‘defeat device’ software.
John Hayes, minister of state for transport
In a report last July, MPs said it was 'deeply unfair' for VW to differentiate between US and European customers and that the Department for Transport was too slow in assessing its powers to prosecute the carmaker.
Louise Ellman MP, chair of the committee, said: ‘Volkswagen has led UK consumers on a merry dance. The emissions scandal remains unfinished business - more than a million UK customers have been affected by this but over a year later we are no closer to getting to the bottom of this very serious matter.
‘The Transport Committee’s report concluded that Volkswagen acted cynically to cheat emissions tests and the Government should have considered prosecuting the company to stop a similar scandal from happening again. As in our previous sessions, we are still keen to explore how this scandal developed and whether it has spread beyond VW.’
She added: ‘It is unacceptable that vehicle repairs remain uncompleted, despite promises that all work would be carried out by the end of 2016.’
In the US, VW is close to finalising compensation with both VW drivers and federal authorities while british drivers affected by the scandal are now taking court action.
The European Commission has brought proceedings against the UK Government and other countries for allegedly failing to police emissions adequately.
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