Volkswagen nearing settlement in emissions inquiry case

An intensive investigation into the manipulation of emissions tests began more than a year ago

Volkswagen is nearing a deal to pay more than $2 billion to resolve a federal criminal investigation into its cheating on emissions tests, according to three people briefed on the negotiations.

The company or one of its corporate entities is expected to plead guilty to criminal charges as part of the deal, according to one of the people, although what those charges might be is unclear. The settlement could come as early as next week, barring any last-minute hiccups, those people said.

The German automaker is eager to put the Justice Department investigation behind it before President-elect Donald J Trump is sworn