Diesel scam: Dutch file 5,000 fraud claims against Volkswagen

Some 5 thousand Dutch owners of Volkswagen cars with software that tampers with diesel emissions filed fraud claims with the foundation Volkswagen Audi Claim. The foundation will jointly recover the damages from Volkswagen, BNR reports. The foundation represents individual owners as well as leasing companies and other companies. The first hearing in the case is on April 19th, during which witness statements will be made. "If that shows that the tampering was deliberate, we have taken the first step." foundation lawyer Oscar van Oorschot said to the broadcaster. After that the damages caused by the decrease of engine power and lower resale value due to the tampering software will be calculated. According to the foundation, this could range between 3 thousand and 6 thousand euros per car, depending on several aspects. "First of all, the type of car you have. A polo is cheaper than a Touareg". According to Van Oorschot, the number of claims against Volkswagen in the Netherlands may be lower than in other countries - in Austria for example 50 thousand claims were filed - but the Dutch case is the first to appear in court.