UK's Volkswagen victims want compensation
Nine out of 10 UK Volkswagen drivers whose vehicles may be caught up in the diesel emissions scandal believe they should receive compensation, according to a study.
The German car-maker has not confirmed whether owners of cars fitted with the defeat device software used to cheat environmental tests in the US will be awarded a payout.
Earlier this week Volkswagen's UK boss Paul Willis said it was "premature" to discuss compensation.
He told the Commons transport committee: "We have to get our trust back. I think it's premature to talk about loss of value. This is a very important issue, but it's not a safety-related issue. We have to make sure we regain the trust of our customers."
Mr Willis is due before the committee again this morning.
Close to 1.2 million vehicles are affected in the UK with recalls due to start in the first quarter of next year for remedial work.
A survey by consumer group Which? of more than 2,000 motorists who own a VW diesel manufactured between 2008 and 2015 showed that 90% think they should get compensation.
Some 96% cited fuel efficiency as an important factor when they bought their car, while 90% said the environmental impact was a key consideration.
The latter was also given as a concern in the wake of the emissions scandal by 86% of respondents, followed by their vehicle's resale value (83%) and performance (73%).
Over half (52%) said they would be put off from buying a VW diesel car in the future.
VW has started to write to affected owners, but nearly three-quarters (74%) believe the firm's response to the crisis has been poor.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: "Many VW owners tell us they decided to buy their car based on its efficiency and low environmental impact, so it's outrageous that VW aren't being clear with their customers about how and when they will be compensated.
"Volkswagen UK must set out an urgent timetable for redress to the owners of the affected vehicles. We also need assurances from the Government that it is putting in place changes to prevent anything like this happening again."
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