Carmakers face UK dieselgate lawsuits worth at least USD 7.6 billion

Lawyers representing claimants have said before the High Court of London that some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world are currently exposed to an eye-watering 1.5 million pounds lawsuits that occur in Britain. These are lawsuits of cheating on emissions tests and may cover fines of not less than 6 billion pounds (USD 7.6 billion) to these companies.

The lawsuits from owners of diesel vehicles highlight long-term consequences for car makers from the emissions scandal that emerged in 2015. This scandal began with Volkswagen admitting that it used ‘defeat devices’ that allowed the cars to control emission levels during testing.

In addition to Volkswagen, other car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Ford are said to have cheated consumers on certain models to conform to nitrogen oxides emission standards; a claim the manufacturers vehemently deny. Mercedes-Benz which experienced about three lakh claims, denied any involvement showing determination towards proving its innocence through legal means. Similarly, Ford dismissed the allegations, insisting that the company’s vehicles and engines are compliant with all applicable emissions standards.

The Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal has already caused the automaker over EURO 32.5 billion (USD 34.5 billion) for recalls, penalties, and legal fees. In 2022, the German group paid 193 million pounds to 91,000 British drivers to resolve the claims without accepting legal responsibilities.

Appearing for a combined group of victims, the lawyers said there are about 1.5 million litigants who are seeking personal injury lawsuits against 13 distinct automobile manufacturing companies. The actual value of individual claim is still in question, but the attorney for the claimants Benjamin Williams calculating the 4,000 poundsper claimant in today’s economy the total value of the lawsuits exceeds 6 billion pounds.

The expected legal expenses have been considered to be high in the context of the above litigation. Bar 149 claimant’s lawyers estimate expenditure of nearly 400 million pounds to a potential third trial In 2026 while Autobar the carmakers expect a costs of 321 million pounds.