U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee issued the following statement on news that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies had reached a $14.7 billion settlement with Volkswagen to compensate consumers who were duped  into buying vehicles with illegal emission defeat devices:

“This was one of the most egregious examples of corporate fraud in recent history,” said Nelson.  “Today’s settlement is not only a victory for American consumers but hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to intentionally deceive the public.”    

Last September, Nelson pressed the FTC to seek compensation for consumers who relied on Volkswagen’s company’s false ‘Clean Diesel’ advertising claims.   The FTC filed suit against VW in March over the company’s deceptive claims.   Click here to view Nelson’s letter to the FTC.