Bosch announced today it has obtained the final approval of a settlement agreement between the company and civil claimants in the United States. The agreement resolves the most substantial part of the civil law proceedings pending against Bosch in connection with Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche diesel vehicles that were sold in the U.S.
The settlement, which was announced by Bosch on 1 February 2017, was concluded with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”) on behalf of the class of current and former owners, lessees, and reseller dealers of the affected vehicles. It has been formally approved now by Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court of the Northern District of California, who concluded that it is fair, adequate, and reasonable to the class members.
The agreement finally settles the claims of consumers and dealers of used vehicles against Robert Bosch GmbH, its affiliates, employees, and directors. It covers Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles with 2.0L engines (model years 2009 – 2015) and Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche diesel vehicles with 3.0L engines (model years 2009 – 2016). For this purpose, Bosch agreed to pay a total amount of USD 327.5 million (approx. EUR 300 million), without acknowledgement of any fact as alleged by the plaintiffs or acceptance of any liability.
The settlement received overwhelming support from the plaintiffs. Of the approximately 589,000 class members, only 640 chose to exclude themselves from the settlement, and only four objected.
The settlement agreement concerns only civil law claims. As it has done since allegations have first been made public, Bosch will continue to defend its interests in all other civil and criminal law proceedings and to cooperate comprehensively with the investigating authorities in Germany and in other countries.
Class members may obtain further information from the website established for this purpose: www.boschvwsettlement.com.
