A civil lawsuit has been filed against Volkswagen AG by the United States Justice Department for allegedly violating environmental laws through its use of software to cheat emissions tests.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the nation's top law enforcement agency in the lawsuit filed on Monday (local time) against the German automaker, Sky News reports.
The suit alleges VW illegally installed software designed to make its diesel engines pass federal emissions standards in violation of the Clean Air Act, allegations which could cost the company billions of dollars.
Assistant Attorney General John Cruden, who is head of the department's environment and natural resources division, said "the United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation's clean air laws".
Volkswagen admitted in September that the cheating software was included in its diesel car models sold from 2009 onwards.
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