Volkswagen said today that its finances remained robust as it sought to allay concerns after a share fall.
Some traders linked the fall to a media report which said the US Justice Department was assessing whether fines could put the car maker out of business.
"The financial strength of Volkswagen Group is still quite robust. Today, the total special items relating to the diesel issue amount to €17.8 billion and all consequences of the diesel topic known so far are covered," the company said.
Volkswagen shares fell 4.6% with some traders citing a Bloomberg sourced to two people familiar with the negotiations as saying that the US Justice Department was assessing the company's financial strength before imposing a fine.
VW has already agreed to spend up to $16.5 billion to address environmental, state and owner claims in the US related to emissions from its diesel engines.
It still faces billions in potential fines and must resolve the fate of 85,000 polluting 3.0-litre vehicles.
Volkswagen said in its statement that it could only comment on the size of penalty payments once ongoing procedures and investigations conclude.
