Fleet World Workshop Tools
Car Tax Calculator
CO2 Calculator
Van Tax Calculator
BiK Rates Company Car Tax

British car owners start legal action against VW

By / 7 years ago / Latest News / 1 Comment

Law firm Harcus Sinclair is heading legal action against Volkswagen as it looks to secure compensation for car owners affected by the emissions scandal.

vw

The class action argues that VW deliberately deceived millions of customers by installing so-called ‘defeat devices’.

The class action argues that VW deliberately deceived millions of customers by installing so-called ‘defeat devices’ which fooled emissions tests and meant affected vehicles produced up to 40 times the legal limit of deadly Nitrogen Oxide (NOx).

The key allegation is that the affected cars should not have been certified as fit for sale because it is alleged that they produced higher levels of NOx emissions than the rules allowed. It is also alleged that the affected vehicles only passed official emissions tests because their engines were fitted with ‘defeat devices’.

In total, 10,000 motorists are taking action, seeking £3,000 each, worth a total £30m. Last year saw US judges approve a £12bn settlement to compensate VW drivers.

Harcus Sinclair is collaborating with law firms including Slater and Gordon on the legal case. The matter is expected to be heard in front of the High Court on 30 January 2017.

The scandal has affected 1.2 million cars in the UK alone. Owners of affected models, including VW, Audi, SEAT and Skoda vehicles with 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 EA 189 diesel engines manufactured between 2009 and 2015, can join the legal action by going to vwemissionsaction.com. Individuals and small companies can join the claim without cost.

Jacqueline Young, head of group litigation at Slater and Gordon, said: “VW has shown utter contempt, not just for the rights and health of their UK consumers but also for the environment. This legal action is the best opportunity that British customers will have for holding VW to account over this scandal.”

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.