The Dieselgate scandal, which shook the automotive industry, began in September 2015. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accused Volkswagen of installing devices that manipulated emissions tests on diesel vehicles. These “defeat devices” activated systems to lower nitrogen oxide emissions during official testing, but were deactivated in regular driving conditions, leading to increased pollution.
Background of the Dieselgate Scandal
Volkswagen later admitted to fitting these devices in approximately 11 million cars worldwide. The company faced significant repercussions, paying over £26 billion in fines and compensation.
Legal Implications and Class Actions
- The case stands as the largest class action lawsuit in English and Welsh legal history.
- It may involve up to 1.6 million affected car owners.
- 220,000 car owners have accused five major companies, including Volkswagen, of misleading them regarding emissions compliance.
The initial five car manufacturers have been designated as lead defendants due to the case’s extensive scope. The outcome may also influence the positions of nine other automotive companies facing similar allegations.
Recent Developments
In 2020, the High Court determined that Volkswagen had breached European Union regulations by using defeat devices. The company settled a class action lawsuit, compensating 91,000 British motorists with £193 million. Overall, Volkswagen has disbursed over €32 billion (approximately £27.8 billion) related to the scandal, primarily in the United States.
Impact on Affected Individuals
The repercussions extend beyond legal and financial realms. At a recent gathering outside the High Court, campaigners from Mums for Lungs joined Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter Ella was the first in the UK to have air pollution cited as a cause of death. Ella passed away in 2013, explicitly highlighting the human cost of diesel emissions.
This case continues to raise important questions about corporate accountability in the automotive sector and the effects of emissions on public health.
