The Brazilian judiciary has fined German automaker Volkswagen 15 million reais (approximately €2.5 million) for bypassing environmental regulations, according to an announcement by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP). The ruling centers on allegations that the company installed software in certain vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2012 designed to circumvent emissions tests.
According to the MP, the software could identify when a vehicle was undergoing testing, subsequently reducing emission levels to comply with Brazilian law. This scheme allegedly allowed Volkswagen to sell over 17,000 Amarok pickup trucks that emitted roughly 1.1 grams of nitrogen oxide per kilometer (g/km), exceeding the legal limit of 1 g/km.
While the judicial decision was announced this Monday, the MP has already filed an appeal seeking to double the fine, and the company also retains the right to appeal.
This case follows a global history of substantial fines for Volkswagen in Europe and the United States related to the manipulation of diesel engines.
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Recently, French prosecutors announced that the manufacturer will face trial in France over the “Dieselgate” scandal. That hearing is set for December 18 and concerns nearly one million vehicles across the Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, and Skoda brands sold between 2009 and 2016.
The French investigation, which mirrors the Brazilian findings, alleges the use of devices that detected certification tests to systematically improve the performance of emission control systems. Beyond Volkswagen, French authorities have also requested proceedings against Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, and Fiat Chrysler regarding similar emissions manipulation allegations.
