Volkswagen to buy back or repair nearly 600,000 vehicles in emissions scandal

• Agreement will include a fund for corrective efforts over excess pollution
• VW required to commit other money to promote green auto technology

The owners of nearly 600,000 Volkswagen vehicles rigged to cheat on emissions tests will have the option to have their cars fixed or bought back by Volkswagen, a judge said on Thursday.

Judge Charles Breyer did not give details on how much car owners would be paid but said the deal between Volkswagen, the US government and private lawyers would include "substantial compensation". Last month, The senior US district judge threatened a trial if Volkswagen and US officials did not reach an agreement on timing of the repairs by Thursday.