VW Diesel Owners In The US Prefer Cash Over Emissions Fix

Between VW fixing their diesel-cheating cars and getting their money back, US owners are currently in favor of the buyback.

After learning two months back that no fewer than 475,000 VW diesel owners were offered buybacks, now we know that almost half of them have already registered to participate in the settlement program.

VW’s deal with drivers and US regulators offers either a cash buyback or $5,100 plus a free fix for their vehicle.

According to Autonews, most of the 210,000 owners and lessees enrolled in the program would rather have the buyback, as stated by lead plaintiff attorney Elizabeth Cabraser during a recent interview. She also mentioned that while VW doesn’t have a government-approved fix for any of the cars, owners might change their minds if such a fix became available.

“Wow. This is a huge number in a relatively short period of time,” said Stanford University law professor Deborah Hensler. “But on the other hand, it would be shocking if a huge fraction of class members were to opt out when it has not been made inordinately difficult for class members to register.”

Naturally, for VW, buying all of those cars back is the more expensive option. However, if more and more drivers choose this option, the automaker will be able to make good on its promise to get 85% of polluters off the road, which in turn will help them avoid further penalties.

The first of many emission-system fixes is expected to arrive in September.