Volkswagen Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
EU fines BMW and Volkswagen Group over emissions-cleaning collusion
Fine or penalty
In a controversy noted in 2021, the EU fined BMW and Volkswagen Group in connection with collusion on technical development in nitrogen oxide cleaning. According to the EU executive, Daimler was not fined after revealing the cartel. The event concerns coordination among the companies on emissions-cleaning technology rather than a product defect or consumer-facing recall. The source reports the fines and Daimler's role as the party that disclosed the cartel to the EU executive.
Source excerpt
The EU executive said the trio had colluded on technical development in the area of nitrogen oxide cleaning, but Daimler was not fined because it revealed the existence of the cartel.
EU fines BMW and Volkswagen Group $1 billion over emission cleaning
2020
Jaguar Land Rover files ITC complaint against Volkswagen Group
Lawsuit filed
Jaguar Land Rover filed a second complaint against Volkswagen Group with the U.S. International Trade Commission, alleging that vehicle control systems in certain Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen vehicles infringe its Terrain Response technology patent. The source reports no determination on the allegations.
Source excerpt
Jaguar Land Rover has recently filed a second complaint against the German group over the same problem, namely “certain vehicle control systems” found in Audis, Lambos, Porsches, and Volkswagens.
According to a document filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission, “the complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.”
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has filed a complaint with the United States Internatonal Trade Commission against the Volkswagen Group in order to block imports of Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi and Volkswagen SUVs, which the British company says are using its patented Terrain Response technology without permission.
2015
Volkswagen emissions scandal
Volkswagen admitted that software in certain diesel vehicles was designed to detect regulatory testing and change emissions-control behavior. The disclosure produced recalls, regulatory investigations, civil litigation, criminal cases, executive changes and substantial penalties in several jurisdictions.
2015
Keyless-entry security research dispute
Researchers reported a security vulnerability affecting keyless ignition systems used by Volkswagen and other manufacturers. Volkswagen sought to restrict publication of the research for an extended period before the issue became public.
1937
Forced labour during the Second World War
The Volkswagen plant used forced labour during the wartime period, including workers connected with concentration-camp systems. The company later acknowledged this history and supported a restitution initiative for survivors.