by Lawsuit Regarding Chevrolet Cruze Continues
A group of Chevrolet Cruze owners in the United States continues to fight in court, accusing the manufacturer of using defeat devices to bypass emissions standards in 2014–2015 diesel models. The case, which began after the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal, remains open to this day, despite the fact that most of the charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
According to the plaintiffs, the software in these cars reduced the effectiveness of the exhaust gas cleaning system during normal operation, leading to exceeding permissible levels of harmful substances. However, the court found that over five years, none of the owners had attempted to repair their vehicles, which weakened their position.
New Stage of the Case Review
Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that certain points of the lawsuit require additional consideration. In particular, it concerns the possibility of proving that federal norms do not preclude filing lawsuits based on fraud. The judge limited further expansion of the case but allowed for a check on whether there are indeed grounds for continuing the process.
The Roman saying “Dura Lex, Sed Lex” (“The law is harsh, but it is the law”) reminds us that the legal system, though slow, can ensure justice.
This case has become another example of how automobile manufacturers are facing the consequences of stricter environmental norms. Even nine years after the lawsuit was filed, Cruze owners have received a chance to prove their case, which speaks to the complexity of such processes and the importance of the evidence base. Simultaneously, it raises questions about how effectively vehicle emissions are regulated and whether consumer protection mechanisms are sufficient in such cases.
