Poland’s consumer watchdog UOKiK stated on Wednesday that it was fining Volkswagen over 120 million zlotys ($31.6 million) for misleading consumers about the emissions of its vehicles.
The fine, the biggest ever given by the regulator for breach of consumer rights, is the newest chapter in the emissions cheating scandal that has cost the German automaker about over 30 billion euros in fines, vehicle refits, and legal expenses. The scandal also triggered global criticism against diesel vehicles.
“False information in advertising materials caused misinformation – they referred to Volkswagen’s pro-ecological attitude, when in fact the cars were not environmentally friendly,” stated Marek Niechcial, UOKiK president, in a statement.
Volkswagen in 2015 confessed to cheating U.S. emissions tests on diesel engines.
“Volkswagen Group Poland does not see legal grounds for the fine published today by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection in Poland (UOKiK),” the company stated in an emailed statement to Reuters.
UOKiK has also stated that Volkswagen is free to appeal the decision in court.
