Volkswagen to pay $3.5 million to settle diesel lawsuit in Illinois

Volkswagen’s U.S. unit will pay $3.5 million to resolve a lawsuit by the state of Illinois against the automaker for updates of emissions software emerging from the 2015 diesel cheating scandal.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court turned down Volkswagen’s bid to avoid lawsuits filed by officials in other states seeking damages. The automaker had earlier warned of possible astronomical damages in the state and local suits.

“Volkswagen intentionally tampered with vehicles it claimed to be environmentally friendly but were actually releasing harmful emissions,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

The settlement is worth about $300 for each concerning some 12,000 vehicles.

“This agreement will fully resolve Illinois’s legacy claims and put this matter behind the company as we focus on building a future of sustainable mobility,” Volkswagen said.

In September, the automaker agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve environmental claims with the states of New Hampshire and Montana.

States like Ohio, Texas, and counties like Hillsborough County, and Salt Lake County have pending suits that concern about 35,000 vehicles.