Fleet Users Eligible for VW's Diesel Settlement
Volkswagen has offered a generous compensation package to owners and lessees of diesel vehicles found to violate clean-air laws that applies to commercial and fleet users, according to a company spokeswoman.

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen.

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen.
Volkswagen has offered a generous compensation package to owners and lessees of diesel vehicles found to violate clean-air laws that applies to commercial and fleet users, according to a company spokeswoman.
The compensation comes under a proposed settlement that won't likely be finalized until the fall and must be approved by a federal judge. Under the proposal, Volkswagen will buy back eligible vehicles at pre-scandal prices or offer to repair them. Vehicles bought back are also eligible for an additional payment of $5,000 to $10,000.
Lessees have the option of canceling the lease without facing an early termination penalty. It's likely that fleet management companies or fleet users holding title to the vehicles would be eligible for the compensation rather than fleet lessees.
Fleet management companies are still evaluating the settlement.
"We will need to review the final ruling by the courts and will comply with what Volkswagen has agreed to and what the justice system deems appropriate," said Jeffrey Perkins, general manager of fleet operations for Motorlease Corp. "As always we advocate for the solution that best fits our client’s needs. In the event a court decision or a manufacturer requires a vehicle to be returned prematurely, we would never charge our client an early termination fee to do so."
The settlement covers the 2.0L TDI engines in approximately 475,000 vehicles, including 460,000 VW vehicles and 15,000 Audi vehicles.
For the latest updates and to check eligibility, fleets can visit VW's settlement website here.
More Operations

90% Use Telematics. Are Fleets Getting Safer? | AF News Recap
This week, we're breaking down which industries have the highest rates, how Jamie McKay manages 2,400 vehicles, what's happening with the 2027 fleet awards, and why software-defined vehicles could introduce new costs.
Read More →
What's Best Handled by an FMC, and What's Better Done Directly?
Fleet managers continue to rely on FMCs for essential services but are taking a closer look at where working directly with suppliers can improve efficiency and responsiveness.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Erin Gilchrist
Meet Erin Gilchrist, the inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award winner, as she shares insights on leadership, mentorship, the power of industry connections, and why people remain at the heart of fleet's future.
Read More →
How 2026 Fleet Visionary Jamie McKay Manages 2,400 Vehicles Across 37 States
How do you keep 2,400 vehicles running across 37 states? Fleet Visionary Award winner Jamie McKay shares how collaboration, flexibility, and a few simple strategies help her tackle fleet management challenges at Aptive Pest Control.
Read More →
Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
