Landmark Lawsuit Targets Major Carmakers in Emissions Scandal

On Monday, a landmark lawsuit against five major carmakers will begin at the High Court in the UK. The case, which has become known as the "dieselgate" scandal, alleges that Mercedes, Ford, Peugeot/Citroën, Renault, and Nissan used software to manipulate emissions tests, allowing their vehicles to produce lower readings of harmful nitrogen oxides.

The lawsuit, which could eventually involve 1.6 million car owners, is the largest class action in English and Welsh legal history. The five carmakers have been chosen as lead defendants, with 220,000 car owners accusing them of misleading the public about the environmental impact of their vehicles.

This is not the first time a major automaker has faced such allegations. In 2020, the High Court ruled that Volkswagen had used "defeat devices" to pass emissions tests, leading the company to settle a class action out of court and pay £193 million to 91,000 British motorists.

If the court finds the current defendants guilty, it could have far-reaching consequences. Lawyers for the motorists claim the cars still on the road are continuing to emit dangerous levels of pollution, potentially putting the health of millions at risk. A judgement is not expected until summer 2026, with a further trial to determine compensation levels set to begin in autumn of that year.