The German automaker agreed to buy back or fix “clean diesel” cars and compensate the owners for their trouble. The affected cars include 2009 through 2015 Volkswagen TDI diesel models of Jettas, Passats, Golfs, and Beetles as well as the TDI Audi A3. Owners will be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100. Under the deal, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100.

The federal class action settlement does not impact Arizona’s ongoing Consumer Fraud Lawsuit against Volkswagen. The Attorney General’s Office has been pursuing its own separate lawsuit against Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche to hold the carmakers accountable for the well-publicized false advertising claims. Arizona consumers were subject to numerous misleading advertisements claiming Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars were environmentally friendly, low-emission, and powerfully fuel efficient.

“Arizona has one of the strongest consumer fraud provisions in the nation,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich.  “While some other states are limited to a few thousand dollars in penalties per violation, Arizona law provides for as much as a $10,000 penalty for each willful violation of the Consumer Fraud Act.”