The diesel emissions scandal, commonly known as ‘Dieselgate,’ first emerged in 2015 when Audi and Volkswagen, both part of the VW Group, faced regulatory action in the United States. What started as a controversy surrounding a specific group of diesel cars has since expanded, to include various vehicle manufacturers.
The Background
Dieselgate began after it was found that Audi and Volkswagen used illegal ‘defeat devices’ in their diesel vehicles. These devices were allegedly designed to manipulate emissions tests conducted by regulators, ensuring that the vehicles met the required standards for approval and sale. The scandal, however, didn’t remain confined to the VW Group, as it soon implicated other manufacturers.
The main point of the group legal claims is that the cars and vans, not just those from VW Group, are said to create more harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution than what was advertised. Law firms representing consumers argue that this constitutes a case of mis-selling, as buyers were not informed of the alleged emissions flaws.
Consumers involved in these claims may be entitled to compensation for various reasons.
Namely, if buyers had known about the alleged emissions flaws, they might not have purchased the vehicle. Consumers may have paid a premium for what they believed to be more environmentally friendly cars, whether buying new or second-hand.
If vehicles required fixes to comply with emissions standards, the implemented solutions might have led to reduced fuel efficiency or performance issues. This, in turn, could lower the value of the vehicle or result in additional costs, for which consumers may seek damages.
The Claims
People have already been paid compensation for diesel claims. Group cases are ongoing.
The High Court has set a trial date for the Mercedes group case in February 2025, with a formal cut-off date for new claimants set on 22nd February 2024.
While individual law firms have set earlier deadlines, there may still be opportunities for new Mercedes claims with some firms. Missing this deadline might mean losing the opportunity to bring your claim and potentially missing out on compensation.
Claims against other car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Kia, and Mazda, are progressing following hearings in December 2023 and January 2024. The court’s efforts to simplify claim management, reduce costs, and ensure efficient resource use resulted in Ford joining Mercedes’ trial date in February 2025. Further details about potential additions to this trial are expected in the upcoming hearing.
A notable development in the diesel emissions saga involves Audi, Seat, Skoda, and VW, which settled out of court in May 2022 for £193 million. This settlement, following the High Court’s ruling in April 2020 regarding the use of a ‘defeat device,’ marked a significant chapter in the legal action. While the details of individual claimant compensation remain confidential, the settlement concluded the original claim.
The diesel emissions claims continue to unfold, impacting various car manufacturers. Individuals affected by the emissions scandal should stay informed about key deadlines and developments. Whether you’re a current claimant or considering joining a new claim, understanding the latest updates is essential for navigating the complexities of diesel emissions claims.
