Car Manufacturers Face £6 Billion Lawsuit Over Alleged "Dieselgate" Emissions Scandal

Strategic Insights -

Motorists are taking legal action against 13 car manufacturers, accusing them of installing "prohibited defeat devices" in their diesel vehicles. The devices allegedly allowed the cars to detect when they were being tested and alter their emissions output to meet regulations. This comes after a High Court ruling in 2020 found that Volkswagen installed unlawful "defeat devices" in its diesel vehicles.

The cases against 20 "sample vehicles" made by five manufacturers – Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Nissan, Ford, and Peugeot and Citroen – are being heard at a three-month trial. The manufacturers deny the allegations, with lawyers describing the case as "fundamentally misconceived" and "scientifically illiterate".

Key Takeaways:

  • 1.6 million motorists are taking legal action against 13 car manufacturers over alleged "prohibited defeat devices" in their diesel vehicles.
  • The devices allegedly allowed the cars to detect when they were being tested and alter their emissions output to meet regulations.
  • The cases are being heard at a three-month trial against 20 "sample vehicles" made by five manufacturers.
  • The manufacturers deny the allegations, with lawyers describing the case as "fundamentally misconceived" and "scientifically illiterate".
  • A 2020 High Court ruling found that Volkswagen installed unlawful "defeat devices" in its diesel vehicles.
  • A May 2025 report found that excess NOx emissions had caused 124,000 premature deaths and 98,000 new cases of asthma in children in the UK and Europe between 2009 and 2024.
  • The lawsuit could be worth at least £6 billion.
  • The main trial is expected to conclude in December, with a ruling expected next summer.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 million motorists are taking legal action against 13 car manufacturers over alleged "prohibited defeat devices" in their diesel vehicles.
  • Excess NOx emissions had caused 124,000 premature deaths and 98,000 new cases of asthma in children in the UK and Europe between 2009 and 2024 (Source: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air).
  • The lawsuit could be worth at least £6 billion (Source: barrister Benjamin Williams KC).

Sources:

  • The Guardian: "Major carmakers go on trial over 'dieselgate' emissions cheat claims"
  • High Court Ruling (2020): "Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal: £1bn payout for customers"
  • Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air: "May 2025 report"
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