Illinois Sues Automaker Volkswagen Over Diesel Emissions

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has sued German automaker Volkswagen over the environmental impact of emissions cheating scandal revealed last year.

In the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, Madigan accused Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche units of tampering with emission controls in 2-liter and 3-liter VW and Audi diesel engine cars in violation of Illinois environmental laws. The lawsuit said there are more 19,000 affected vehicles in Illinois.

Madigan was among 43 state attorneys general who earlier this year reached a $275 million settlement with Volkswagen for selling and leasing diesel vehicles with illegal software that concealed the pollution levels.

In a statement, Volkwagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan said the company is committed to reaching a “fair and efficient resolution” of remaining federal and state legal claims.