Over 1.6 million motorists have taken legal action against some of the world's leading car manufacturers, accusing them of deliberately cheating emissions tests on diesel vehicles sold between 2012 and 2017.
The High Court in London heard opening arguments on Monday in what ranks amongst the largest mass litigation cases in English legal history, with Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot and Citroën all facing claims.
Claimants allege the manufacturers installed illegal technology—known as "defeat devices"—that detected when vehicles were undergoing emissions testing and temporarily reduced harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) output to pass regulatory requirements.
According to lawyers representing the motorists, real-world emissions from these vehicles were dramatically higher than laboratory results suggested, with some cars producing up to 12 times the legal limit of NOx when driven on public roads.
"These manufacturers would rather cheat than comply with the law," claimants' barrister Tom de la Mare told the court, arguing the industry had collectively chosen to prioritise driver convenience over environmental protection.
The manufacturers have robustly defended their position, maintaining that emission control systems are designed with legitimate variations for different operating conditions and rejecting any link to the Volkswagen dieselgate affair.
That 2015 scandal, in which VW admitted fitting defeat devices, has already resulted in costs exceeding R640 billion for the German giant and criminal proceedings against former chief executive Martin Winterkorn, whose trial was suspended on health grounds this month.
The current proceedings will assess 20 sample vehicles from nearly 850,000 claims. The court's findings, expected mid-2026, will also determine the outcome of another 800,000 claims against manufacturers including Vauxhall/Opel and BMW.
If defeat devices are found, a further hearing will establish compensation amounts.
#dieselgate
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
