Italy Hits Volkswagen with a $5.54 Million Fine

Volkswagen may be nearing final resolution for its Dieselgate scandal here in the U.S., but it still has many other countries to answer to. Recently, we learned that one country will lighten VW’s bank account by more than $5.5 million, according to Reuters.

The country doing the massive withdraw is Italy. The reasoning behind the big fine? False advertising.

Italy’s anti-trust agency says that VW’s marketing campaign that claimed the TDI engines were clean misled buyers. So, the agency is issuing the largest fine it can, €5 million ($5.54 million), to the embattled German automaker.

Of course, Volkswagen will challenge this fine in administrative court as it feels it has “fully cooperated with the utmost openness and transparency.” We’ll pass along updates on this case as they become available.

Despite all of its fines, settlements, and possible criminal charges, Volkswagen continues offering strong deals on its cars. For example, buyers can get the 2016 e-Golf on a 36-month lease for just $179 per month after putting down $2,349. In addition to this deal, VW is also offering 0 percent APR for up to 72 months and $1,000 in bonus cash on the e-Golf.

For those looking for a traditional gasoline-fueled VW, there is a 36-month lease on the 2016 Passat that runs $179 per month with just $1,999 due at signing.