Understanding Diesel Emissions Claims: A Clear Guide

Diesel emissions claims have been a prevalent topic in recent years due to the discovery of car manufacturers using illegal defeat devices to manipulate emissions tests. Since then, thousands of motorists who owned a diesel car between 2007 and 2020 have joined forces to make a legal Diesel Emission Claim against car manufacturers for allegedly installing defeat devices into vehicles resulting in reduced readings for nitrous oxide emissions under test conditions.

Understanding diesel emissions claims involves knowing about the diesel emissions scandal, where defeat devices were used to manipulate emissions tests, making vehicles seem low-polluting. Legal claims allege that carmakers used these illegal devices in their diesel vehicles to cheat regulatory emissions tests before vehicle sale approval. 

Eligibility for a diesel emissions claim requires owning a diesel vehicle affected by the dieselgate emissions scandal, where manufacturers fitted defeat devices to record lower emissions during tests. As these claims have been ongoing for years, understanding the process and requirements is crucial before pursuing a claim.

The Dieselgate Scandal

The Dieselgate Scandal, which broke in September 2015, refers to Volkswagen (VW) installing cheat devices in their diesel cars to manipulate emissions tests. The software, known as a “defeat device,” could detect when the car was being tested and alter engine performance to reduce emissions. However, on the road, the car would emit pollutants at levels up to 40 times the legal limit. 

The scandal led to global investigations revealing that over 11 million diesel cars worldwide, including VW, Audi, Porsche, and Skoda models, had these devices. VW faced fines over £28 billion, and several executives were charged with fraud and conspiracy. 

This scandal has increased scrutiny on diesel emissions, leading to claims against several car manufacturers, including Mercedes, BMW, Vauxhall, Ford, Renault, and Fiat. The Dieselgate Scandal underscores the importance of business transparency and honesty and highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent similar future occurrences.

Car Manufacturers Involved

The diesel emissions scandal has affected several car manufacturers who were found to have used software, commonly referred to as “defeat devices,” to manipulate emissions tests. The following are some of the car manufacturers involved in the scandal:

Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group (VW) is the largest car manufacturer involved in the diesel emissions scandal. In September 2015, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation to VW, stating that the company had used a “defeat device” to cheat on emissions tests. The notice of violation led to the discovery that VW had installed the defeat device in approximately 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide.

Other car brands owned by VW Group, including Audi, Seat, Skoda, and Porsche, were also found to have used the same defeat device.

Other Manufacturers

The diesel emissions scandal is not limited to VW Group. Several other car manufacturers have also been accused of using similar defeat devices to cheat on emissions tests. Some of these manufacturers include:

• BMW
• Mercedes
• Renault

It is important to note that not all diesel vehicles manufactured by these companies are affected by the scandal, and some models have been found to comply with emissions regulations. However, if you owned or leased a diesel vehicle made by any of these manufacturers between 2008 and 2020, you may be eligible to join a group legal claim over emissions and receive compensation.

Conclusion

Understanding diesel emissions claims is essential for anyone who owned a diesel car between 2007 and 2020, as the scandal has led to legal claims against many car manufacturers. This article aims to provide clarity on the scandal, the use of defeat devices, and available legal options. It underscores the importance of seeking legal advice and participating in group claims for higher success chances. 

The scandal emphasizes the need for more accountability in the automotive industry, urging manufacturers to be transparent about their emissions and take responsibility for any malpractices. By seeking compensation and holding manufacturers accountable, consumers can ensure the industry operates ethically and responsibly.