Volkswagen drivers to sue again over emission-cheating devices – who is affected

Volkswagen drivers could get thousands of pounds each if they win a fresh legal challenge over allegations their cars had dodgy emissions-cheating software.

The German carmaker has sold over 1million of these vehicles, which lawyers claim deliberately cheated engine pollution tests.

Volkswagen was already facing one legal challenge, from 91,000 British drivers.

But now a second one is emerging, with 35,000 motorists on board.

There are 35,000 of these drivers, according to law firm Keller Lenkner and Milberg London, but up to 85,000 could be included eventually.

The Keller Lenkner website said: “Volkswagen diesel owners may be entitled to thousands of pounds each.

“If you purchased or leased a Volkswagen diesel vehicle between June 2008 and December 2015, you may qualify for a diesel emissions claim.”

A Volkswagen spokesperson said: “Volkswagen understands that these claims are based on similar terms to the existing group litigation. As such, we do not believe that claimants suffered any loss, nor that that they have a valid claim. Volkswagen will defend these claims robustly.

“It is not understood why these prospective claimants did not join the original claim or why they have waited so long to come forward.”

Keller Lenkner has been approached for comment.

How to check if you can claim

You can do this using a tool on the law firm’s website .

What the scandal involves

Many carmakers are accused of installing secret software into vehicles that realised when an emissions test was being run.

These tests have to be passed in many countries before a car can be sold.

The software would then kick in, showing a fake, low pollution reading.

The devices meant many vehicles were actually more polluting than advertised.

If your car or van then had to be modified to meet the emissions rules, it could have lower fuel efficiency, worse performance or mean a lower value.

The alleged scandal, dubbed ‘dieselgate’, includes other carmakers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Seat and Skoda.

Other law firms involved in dieselgate

More than a dozen legal firms are also competing to attract drivers, including Leigh Day, Slater & Gordon and PGMBM.

These law firms are trying to gather drivers of certain cars together to make big claims against vehicle manufacturers – though nothing is certain.

If you owned a diesel car or van in England or Wales made between 2007 and 2018 you could be affected, according to MoneySavingExpert.

If you think you have a genuine claim, have a look on MoneySavingExpert’s website to see which law firm could handle your case.

From there, visit the law firm’s website to see if you have a qualifying vehicle by entering your number plate.

If you qualify, you will be told what to do to be part of a mass claim.

It is free to join such a claim, but law firms will take up to 50% of any cash you win as a fee.

Most of the lawyers will let you cancel a claim within 14 days with no fee. After that date there could be a cancellation fee.

All the car manufacturers involved so far completely deny the claims. Only cases affecting Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Seat Skoda and Volkswagen have gone to court so far.

*** This article has been archived for your research. The original version from The Mirror can be found here ***