Volkswagen’s emissions scandal settlement reaches $1.3B

SAN FRANCISCO – California said Volkswagen will pay the state another $154 million in penalties and costs over the automaker’s emissions scandal.

California’s Air Resources Board said the increase in a consent decree filed Thursday brings VW’s total settlement in California to $1.3 billion.

Volkswagen Group of America acknowledged rigging 11 million of its vehicles with software used to cheat on vehicle emissions tests.

Environmental regulators said some of the VW vehicles emitted up to 40 times the allowed levels of unhealthy nitrous oxides when on the road.

The negotiated $1.3 billion final settlement still must be approved by courts.

It includes penalties and payments to help California boost its network supporting cleaner-running electric cars.