Automakers Cheated Emissions Laws to Boost Sales, ‘Dieselgate’ Trial Reveals

In a landmark case unfolding in London, car manufacturers are facing allegations of intentionally flouting emissions regulations to enhance sales. This group action trial, the largest of its kind in English legal history, involves 1.6 million diesel car owners across the UK. It stems from the infamous “Dieselgate” scandal, which first emerged more than a decade ago.

Cheating Emissions Laws

Lawyers for the claimants argue that numerous automakers deployed “defeat devices” to manipulate emissions tests. These prohibited devices allegedly enabled vehicles to perform within legal limits during testing, while in actual driving conditions, emissions soared beyond regulations. The trial centers on vehicles sold since 2009 by five major manufacturers:

• Mercedes
• Ford
• Renault
• Nissan
• Peugeot/Citroën

Should the plaintiffs succeed, the potential damages could reach over £6 billion. The trial is projected to take three months, focusing on evidence regarding these manufacturers. Other companies, such as Vauxhall/Opel and Jaguar Land Rover, may also be affected by the court’s ruling.

Impact of Excess Emissions

According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, excess NOx emissions from diesel vehicles have contributed to approximately 124,000 premature deaths across the UK and Europe from 2009 to 2024. During the trial, Thomas de la Mare KC, representing the claimants, emphasized that the automotive industry prioritized sales over public health. He stated, “Each player in the industry basically took a conscious decision that customer convenience was more important than reducing pollutants causing death.”

Manufacturers’ Defense

The manufacturers involved deny any wrongdoing. Their legal teams claim that the allegations are filled with inaccuracies regarding vehicle emission systems. For instance:

• Renault described the claims as “riddled with errors and misunderstandings.”
• Ford labeled the case as “scientifically illiterate.”
• Mercedes argued that the focus on NOx emissions neglects the complexity of diesel engineering.
• Nissan countered that the central premise of the case is an “untenably broad reading of defeat device.”

Future Proceedings

The trial’s evidentiary phase is expected to conclude by Christmas, followed by legal arguments in March 2026. A judgment is anticipated by the next summer, with subsequent trials focusing on compensation possibilities.

Among the claimants, Adam Kamenetzky expressed hope for accountability, stating, “If these allegations are borne out, consumers were deceived at the point of sale.”

Public Response and Advocacy

Outside the court, clean air advocates highlighted the severe public health impact. Demonstrators included members from Mums for Lungs and Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who emphasized the tragic consequences of diesel vehicle pollution. Adoo-Kissi-Debrah stated, “Illegal pollution from diesel vehicles has caused thousands of premature deaths in the UK.”

With over 20 law firms involved, including Leigh Day and Pogust Goodhead, the outcome of this trial could reshape corporate accountability in the automotive industry and impact environmental justice significantly.