Motorists Take on Car Manufacturers in Landmark Emissions Trial

Strategic Insights -

The High Court in England has begun what is expected to be the biggest legal action of its kind in English history, with over 1.6 million motorists suing more than a dozen car manufacturers over claims that several diesel vehicles produced from 2009 onwards contained prohibited defeat devices (PDDs). These devices allegedly allowed the vehicles to detect when they were being tested and alter their emissions output to pass regulatory tests, while releasing significantly higher levels of pollutants in real-world driving conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit involves 1.6 million motorists and 13 car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Vauxhall, Nissan, and Renault, among others.
  • The alleged defeat devices were installed in diesel vehicles from 2009 onwards and allowed the vehicles to pass emissions tests while emitting higher levels of pollutants in real-world conditions.
  • The case is a result of a 2020 High Court ruling that Volkswagen installed unlawful defeat devices in thousands of its diesel vehicles.
  • The trial is being heard at the High Court before Lady Justice Cockerill and is expected to conclude in December, with legal arguments in March 2026.
  • A ruling is expected next summer, with a further trial to determine any compensation scheduled for autumn 2024.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 million motorists are taking legal action against 13 car manufacturers.
  • The vehicles in question were made from 2009 onwards, covering a period of over 13 years.
  • The trial is expected to conclude in December, with legal arguments in March 2026 and a ruling next summer.
  • The case is the biggest legal action of its kind in English history.

Sources:

  • The trial began at the High Court in England, with the main trial to be heard before Lady Justice Cockerill.