There's new hope for thousands of diesel drivers here in Florida deceived by Volkswagen emissions scandal. The news of a Jupiter man winning a lemon law claim against the giant automaker is paving the way for other affected drivers.
The Audi 8 with a diesel engine was a perfect fit for Conrad Ailstock's environmentally friendly lifestyle. All of his home lights are LED, he recycles, so the news that his clean diesel engine wasn't really clean, came as a shock.
"I was really surprised and really shocked that there was such deception in the whole process," said Ailstock.
His Audi is among the millions of cars violating the EPA's clean air act regulations.
"I've been going to the manufacture requesting a voluntary buyback which every time they've declined, they say we're working on it, we're working on it," added Ailstock.
But it's been months and there is no news of a fix. A Jupiter man's victory against the giant automaker using the Florida Lemon law is opening up a new avenue for Ailstock.
"I never thought I could use the lemon law," he added.
Like many drivers affected by the emission scandal, Ailstock has no choice but to drive his car, worried about how harmful the emissions actually are.
"I don't know what I'm breahting in or what I'm putting out in the environment," Ailstock added.
Volkswagen did not want to comment at the hearing and at one point even tried to block the media from recording it. The Jupiter man who won the case is encouraging other drivers to file claims too.
