VW's diesel buyback gets preliminary go-ahead from judge

US District Judge Charles Breyer, who's been overseeing the settlement case, granted that preliminary approval on Tuesday, Reuters reports. This means Volkswagen will be able to start discussing buyback terms with buyers, likely through a website where 2.0-liter diesel owners can enter their information and discover just how much money the settlement will pay out.

While that part of VW's settlement might be moving forward, the automaker is having a harder time in other areas. It's still working to devise a fix for its 2.0-liter TDI engines, and that will require approval from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. It's still working on settlement terms, including a fix, for its 3.0-liter diesels, as well.

Volkswagen's \\$15 billion settlement will see most of that money going toward buybacks. The remainder is earmarked for environmental remediation funds, which will work to reverse the damage caused by VW's diesels, which have been emitting nitrogen oxides well in excess of legal limits.