VW back in gear as fine over scandal nears
VW has slammed the brakes on its emissions-cheating crisis, seeing a rise in market share and moving close to a settlement with the US government over one of the worst corporate scandals of all time.
The German carmaker had 24.8% of all European car sales in November, up from 24.6% for the same month a year ago.
That’s the first time its market share has risen since the emissions test cheating emerged in September 2015, the figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association show.
Reports from America indicate the US Department of Justice plans to settle with VW over the scandal, a deal that is likely to see the company admit to various criminal offences including breaking the US Clean Air Act.
Though that fine could top $3 billion (£2.4 billion), VW is thought keen to pay and move on.
The business faces probes in other countries, including class action lawsuits in the UK over emissions cheating in its Audi, Seat and Skoda cars.
The industry predicts that Brexit will soon hurt car sales in the UK. It hasn’t yet, official figures show.
