Dieselgate Trial Reveals Carmakers Cheating on Emissions to Boost Car Sales

In a landmark trial, car manufacturers are being accused of prioritizing sales over environmental compliance. This case arises from the infamous “dieselgate” scandal, which first emerged over a decade ago. Lawyers for 1.6 million diesel car owners in the UK claim that manufacturers intentionally manipulated emissions tests through prohibited defeat devices.

Emissions Manipulation Allegations

The trial opened recently at London’s High Court, focusing on five major manufacturers: Mercedes, Ford, Renault, Nissan, and Peugeot/Citroën. These companies are alleged to have installed software that detected testing conditions, ensuring that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions met legal standards while vehicles operated under normal driving conditions.

Potential Damages and Legal Implications

If the claim is successful, damages may exceed £6 billion. The hearing is set to last three months. It will also establish legal precedents binding other manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, Vauxhall/Opel, Volkswagen, and Toyota.

• Estimated damages: £6 billion
• Key defendants:
  • Mercedes
  • Ford
  • Renault
  • Nissan
  • Peugeot/Citroën
• Additional manufacturers potentially affected:
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Vauxhall/Opel
  • Volkswagen
  • Toyota

Health Impacts of Excess Emissions

During proceedings, claimant Thomas de la Mare KC highlighted the severe public health implications. A report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air indicated that excess NOx emissions linked to these vehicles had resulted in 124,000 premature deaths in Europe between 2009 and 2024.

De la Mare argued that with better design, particularly larger AdBlue tanks (which reduce NOx), the industry could have significantly lowered harmful emissions. Instead, he criticized manufacturers for choosing convenience over legal compliance.

The Defendants’ Position

The manufacturers contest the claims, asserting they did not use prohibited defeat devices. They argue that the legal premises of the case are flawed. Written submissions from Renault described the case as “riddled with errors,” while Ford called it “scientifically illiterate.”

Mercedes contended that the argument was overly fixated on NOx emissions, ignoring other relevant factors in diesel vehicle engineering.

Tentative Timeline for the Trial

As the trial unfolds, the initial phase is expected to conclude before Christmas. Subsequent legal arguments will take place in March 2026, with a judgment anticipated in the summer. A follow-up trial for compensation could occur depending on the outcomes.

Adam Kamenetzky, a lead claimant in the case, expressed hope that this trial would bring transparency. He remarked that consumers should be protected from deceptive practices in car sales, emphasizing that this could be a pivotal moment for legal accountability in the automotive industry.