Hagens Berman and Quinn Emanuel Press VW to Expand So-Called “Goodwill” Program

November 23, 2015 | By Business Wire News

SEATTLE & LOS ANGELES

Continuing their efforts on behalf of consumers injured by the VW emissions fraud scheme, leading consumer rights firm Hagens Berman and the world’s largest business litigation firm, Quinn Emanuel, have asked VW to extend its self-proclaimed “goodwill package” offer to victims beyond U.S. customers.

In mid-November, VW offered certain affected consumers the ability to claim a $500 debit card and $500 dealer credit. Despite that an estimated 11 million consumers worldwide might be affected by the scandal, VW offered this relief only to U.S. consumers. Other victims, including the approximately 125,000 South Korean consumers on whose behalf Hagens Berman and Quinn Emanuel have also sued, were excluded from VW’s offer. The firms formally demanded that VW extend its offer to South Korean consumers, but VW declined to respond. VW has publicly stated it will not offer the goodwill package to European owners but did not address other markets.

“VW continues to fail its customers at every turn during this crisis,” said Steve Berman of Hagens Berman. “Although we don’t think much of VW’s band-aid offer–a few dollars and a vague promise of a future fix–VW should at least extend it to every victim injured by its fraud.”

Added John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel, “Apparently this holiday season Wolfsburg favors ‘goodwill to some’ over ‘goodwill to all.’ VW first succeeded in delaying our efforts in court to obtain an immediate consumer remedy, and now shuts out most owners from this interim offer. It’s another gut punch to customers.”

Quinn and Berman remain optimistic VW can carve a better path. “VW has a way out if it takes the right approach. The company needs to include a consumer voice in the process. We can help VW restore credibility, confidence and loyalty when it is willing to address legitimate customer concerns,” said Quinn.

Hagens Berman and Quinn Emanuel have filed six class actions arising from the emissions scandal, which seek remedies for U.S. and South Korean consumers. The firms sought a preliminary injunction requiring VW to offer to buy back non-compliant vehicles, which would relieve blindsided consumers from continuing as forced polluters. That motion has been temporarily stayed on a motion by VW’s lawyers.

The lawsuits involve at least the following CleanDiesel model vehicles: Jetta (model years 2009 – 2015), Beetle (model years 2009 – 2015), Audi A3 (model years 2009 – 2015), Golf (model years 2009 – 2015) and Passat (model years 2012 – 2015). Join the class-action lawsuits against Volkswagen if you have an affected model. Please visit Hagens Berman’s website: http://www.hbsslaw.com/vw and complete the registration form. If you have unanswered questions, contact our legal team now.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with offices in 10 cities. The firm has been named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

About Quinn Emanuel

Quinn Emanuel is a 700-lawyer business litigation firm. With 18 offices globally, it is the largest law firm in the world devoted solely to business litigation. Firm lawyers have tried over 2,300 cases, winning 88.2% of them. Four times the firm has been voted one of the four “most feared” firms by General Counsels at Fortune 500 companies — the lawyers they “least like to see” on the other side. Further information is available at www.quinnemanuel.com.

About Barun Law

Barun Law is a 170-lawyer, full-service firm, one of Korea’s largest. The firm’s litigation practitioners are predominantly former judges and prosecutors from all levels of the Korean courts system and prosecutors’ offices. Their international client base includes some of the world’s largest companies, leading financial institutions and funds, growing firms, entrepreneurs, and foreign governments. Further information is available at www.barunlaw.com.