U.S. judge 'strongly inclined' to approve VW buyback settlement

A federal judge in San Francisco on Tuesday said he is "strongly inclined" to approve a record-setting $10.033 billion proposed buyback and compensation offer from Volkswagen AG for 475,000 owners of polluting 2.0-liter diesel vehicles.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said he will issue a final decision in the matter, stemming from Volkswagen's use of illegal software to defeat U.S. emissions testing, by Oct. 25.

Owners, lawyers and others appeared before Breyer during a hearing raising arguments about why they think Volkswagen is failing to offer enough money for buybacks or refunding for other out-of-pocket costs like extended warranties, maintenance and government licensing fees. VW has agreed to spend up to $16.7 billion to address its so-called U.S. "Dieselgate" costs. read more »

Volkswagen/Audi Diesel Emissions Settlement Program

Learn more about the Settlements and program to modify or buyback certain Volkswagen or Audi diesel automobiles in the United States

2010-2016 Genesis Coupe recalled to fix airbag issue

Hyundai is recalling the 2010-2016 Genesis Coupe to address a potential problem with its airbag system. Because the car debuted here as a 2010 model, the recall affects nearly every Genesis Coupe registered in the U.S.

The recall stems from a faulty wiring harness connector associated with the car's occupant classification system, or OCS, the hardware that determines whether an adult passenger is traveling in the Coupe's front seat. As National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents explain, "objects or debris placed under the front passenger seat can contact the OCS electrical connector. When the seat is moved, these items can interfere with the connector assembly and potentially dislodge the connector...."