The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for using software designed to cheat on emissions testing in 600,000 diesel cars sold inside the United States.
"Car manufacturers that fail to properly certify their cars and that defeat emission control systems breach the public trust, endanger public health and disadvantage competitors," said John C. Cruden, the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. [...]
"With today's filing, we take an important step to protect public health by seeking to hold Volkswagen accountable for any unlawful air pollution, setting us on a path to resolution," said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "So far, recall discussions with the company have not produced an acceptable way forward. These discussions will continue in parallel with the federal court action."
Judging by the statements made by agency officials, it appears the lawsuit was filed because Volkswagen has not voluntarily complied with demands for a settlement. Filing a lawsuit may persuade the company to cooperate.
Volkswagan could face as much as $18 billion in fines related to their cheating, but I doubt the final amount will be anywhere that much although it could be if they don't cooperate.