Bosch agrees to pay $327.5 million to settle private claims over Volkswagen diesel vehicles in the United States

2 February 2017

Robert Bosch has entered into a settlement agreement with civil claimants in the United States in order to settle “the most substantial part” of the civil proceedings pending in connection with Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche diesel vehicles that were sold in the USA. The corresponding documents have been filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The settlement agreement was concluded with a Court-appointed Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) on behalf of proposed settlement classes.

The agreement would settle the claims of consumers and dealers of used vehicles against Robert Bosch GmbH concerning Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles with 2.0 L engines for model years 2009 through 2015 and Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche diesel vehicles with 3.0 L engines for model years 2009 through 2016. For this purpose, Bosch will pay US$327.5 million (EUR 304 million).

“By entering into the settlement, Bosch neither acknowledges the facts as alleged by the plaintiffs nor does Bosch accept any liability,” said the company. Bosch has been suspected of playing an active role in the development of the cycle beating software strategy used by Volkswagen in their diesel vehicles.

“Upon careful consideration of all relevant aspects, we have in this case decided to enter into a settlement agreement. Bosch is currently undergoing the biggest transformation process in its company history. We wish to devote our attention and our resources to the transition in mobility and in other areas of activity”, said Dr. Volkmar Denner, Chairman of the Management Board of Robert Bosch GmbH.

The settlement must be approved by the Court, which is expected in early May 2017.

The Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee also reached an agreement with Volkswagen over civil claims in relation to 3.0 L VW diesel vehicles sold in the United States.

Source: Robert Bosch