Judge: Substantial progress in Volkswagen emissions talks

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Volkswagen and attorneys for vehicle owners affected by the company’s emissions cheating scandal are on target to meet a June deadline for a final settlement proposal, a federal judge said today.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer said the parties have made substantial progress in reaching a deal for nearly a half-million polluting Volkswagens in the U.S.

judge Breyer announced a tentative agreement last month that would give owners the option of having Volkswagen buy back or repair their vehicles.

The judge did not provide any additional details about the ongoing talks.

The scandal erupted in September when it was learned the German automaker had fitted many of its cars with software to fool emissions tests and had put dirty vehicles on the road. Car owners and the Justice Department sued.

VW, the U.S. Department of Justice and attorneys for Volkswagen owners have until June 21 to file a final settlement with the court.