The Australian affiliate of German automaker Volkswagen Group was warned of a possible class action today by motorists unhappy with its response to complaints that some cars decelerate without warning.
Saunders & Saunders Legal spokesman Brett Sanders said the firm was “currently investigating a potential class action” but would not say how many had come forward to join in any court case.
Volkswagen Australia has sought to placate anxious motorists with a promise of free inspections at its dealerships.
“We continue to stand by the quality of our cars and the integrity of our engineering excellence in meeting this responsibility,” Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director John White said in a posting on the company’s Facebook page.
The company insisted it would not recall any vehicles in light of allegations made last week at a coroner’s investigation into the death of Melissa Ryan, killed when her Volkswagen Golf was hit from behind by a truck in Melbourne.
The truck driver claimed the car suddenly slowed before the collision.
“There is no correlation between the inquest and the customer reports presented in the media regarding issues with diesel engines and DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) transmissions,” the Company said in a statement.