Car Manufacturers Accused of Installing "Defeat Devices" to Cheat Emissions Tests

Strategic Insights -

Motorists are taking legal action against over a dozen car manufacturers, claiming that they installed "prohibited defeat devices" (PDDs) in diesel vehicles made from 2009 onwards. These devices would allow the vehicles to detect when they were being tested and alter their emissions to meet regulations, but would actually produce much higher levels of pollution in real-world driving conditions. The case, which involves manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Ford, among others, is being heard in the High Court and is expected to be worth at least £6 billion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1.6 million motorists are taking legal action against more than a dozen car manufacturers over claims that several diesel vehicles contained "prohibited defeat devices" (PDDs).
  • The devices installed in the cars would allow the vehicles to detect when they were being tested and alter their emissions to meet regulations, but would actually produce much higher levels of pollution in real-world driving conditions.
  • The case involves manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Ford, among others.
  • The claimants are seeking damages for breach of contract, alleging that the manufacturers breached emissions regulations by installing PDDs in their cars.
  • The manufacturers deny that PDDs were installed in their cars and claim that the claimants' case is "fundamentally misconceived" and "scientifically illiterate".
  • The trial, which began in July, is expected to conclude in December, with a ruling expected next summer.
  • A further trial to determine any compensation is scheduled for autumn next year.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 million motorists are taking legal action against more than a dozen car manufacturers.
  • The case is expected to be worth at least £6 billion.
  • The report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that excess NOx emissions in the UK and Europe caused 124,000 premature deaths and 98,000 new cases of asthma in children between 2009 and 2024.
  • 20 "sample vehicles" made by five manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Nissan, Ford, and Peugeot and Citroen) are being sued.

Sources:

  • PA, "Car manufacturers accused of installing 'defeat devices' to cheat emissions tests" (no date)
  • "Volkswagen Emissions Scandal: Do Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase Consider Conditions as Material?" by Thomas De La Mare, no date
  • " Defeat Devices, Nitrogen Oxides, and the Global Pandemic of the Future: Research Drenched Silence Problematic" by James Allan, no date