by Large-Scale Lawsuit Against Automakers in the UK
Ten years after the high-profile Dieselgate scandal that affected the Volkswagen Group, a new emissions lawsuit is unfolding in the United Kingdom. Five major automakers are again in the spotlight over accusations of emissions manipulation.
Key Allegations
Start of the Legal Proceedings
On October 13th, proceedings began in the High Court of London, where millions of diesel car owners are accusing manufacturers of installing so-called “defeat devices,” which allow them to cheat nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions tests.
This mass legal action could become one of the largest group lawsuits in the history of English law.
The claimants assert that under real-world driving conditions, their cars emitted significantly more NOx than indicated by official tests. Billions of pounds in potential compensation and the manufacturers’ reputations are at stake.
The Echo of Dieselgate
The case is reminiscent of the Dieselgate scandal, where Volkswagen admitted to installing fraudulent software in millions of cars worldwide. According to the plaintiffs, the five manufacturers knowingly prioritized “customer convenience” and sales volumes over compliance with environmental regulations.
Representatives of the automakers have rejected the accusations, stating that their situation cannot be compared to Volkswagen’s actions. Ford’s lawyers, in particular, called the lawsuit “scientifically unfounded.”
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The court will first examine the existence of “defeat devices,” and only after that will it move to the question of compensation for car owners. Preliminary hearings are expected to conclude by the end of the year, with the main debates starting in March 2026. A final decision is anticipated in the summer of the following year.
Although diesel car sales have sharply declined in recent years, such lawsuits continue to highlight the issues of environmental safety in the automotive industry.
This case could have significant consequences for the entire European automotive market, as it will set an important precedent regarding manufacturers’ responsibility for environmental standards. Many experts believe that such legal proceedings could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and other alternative modes of transport, forcing manufacturers to adhere more strictly to environmental standards in the future.
