Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Compensation

Volkswagen has admitted that 1.2 million vehicles sold in the UK were fitted with emissions test cheating software.

The Facts

Volkswagen vehicles were equipped with software that systematically circumvented legal emissions standards.
The scandal has cost Volkswagen $33 billion in legal fees, fines, and compensation.

The High Court Ruling

In March 2020, the High Court of England and Wales handed down judgment in a ‘preliminary issue’ hearing on whether the decision of the German road vehicle authority that the software was in fact a ‘defeat device’ was binding in the English courts.  The Judge found that it was and that the software in the vehicles “did indeed amount to a prohibited ‘defeat device.’ The Judge concluded that VW’s attempt to re-litigate the issue here was an “abuse of the process.”

“A software function which enables a vehicle to pass the test because (artificially) it operates the vehicle in a way which is bound to pass the test and in which it does not operate on the road is a fundamental subversion of the test … it destroys the utility of the test.”

High Court of England and Wales

Five Reasons to Join the Claim

Financial Restitution. If you purchased an affected vehicle, you may have overpaid for it and could struggle to sell it on the secondary market for full value. This claim aims to make sure you are compensated. Also, your car might have been less fuel efficient than promised.

No Risk. This claim is dedicated to making this process simple and straightforward for you. Once you have provided the information about your affected vehicle, your case will be handled from start to finish at no cost to you If you receive compensation from the defendants then our fees will be a proportion of the compensation paid but you will keep the majority of the compensation.

Corporate Accountability. No person or corporation is above the law regardless of wealth or power. We believe that Volkswagen has been profoundly dishonest with their customers, causing financial and physical harm to you. Joining this claim sends the message to Volkswagen and all other involved/relevant corporations that they will be held accountable for their behavior.

Your Health. According to a report from the European Federation for Transport and Environment, aggregate traffic pollution in Europe costs Europeans an estimated 60 billion euros annually and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year. NOx from vehicles is a significant source of traffic pollution and is a known irritant to the lungs and cause of respiratory problems like asthma, wheezing, coughing, colds, and bronchitis. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of NOx. Volkswagen’s conduct may have placed your health, and the health of children and the elderly, at risk by intentionally violating emission standards. 

The Environment. NOx is a dangerous nitrogen-based pollutant that is responsible for acid rain, global warming, smog and deterioration of the ozone layer. Taking legal action will deter Volkswagen and other companies from putting their profits above your health and the planet.

What You Need to Know

In a news release issued on September 22, 2015, Volkswagen admitted it had intentionally programmed software in more than 11 million cars worldwide to cheat emissions tests starting in 2009 by activating emissions controls only during testing. During regular driving, the cars emitted 10 to 40 times more pollution.

In January 2020, a court in Canada ordered the German carmaker to pay a fine of $196.5 million after it pleaded guilty to violating environmental laws. VW already paid $87 million in Australia and is in negotiations to settle a massive lawsuit launched by hundreds of thousands of German drivers. Despite all of this, VW continues to deny that this software is unlawful.

Who is Eligible?

You may be able to join the Claim if your car was manufactured by Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda or Porsche and:  

• It is a 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, or 3.0 litre diesel vehicle with engine EA189, EA288 or EA897
• It was manufactured between 2009 and 2019
• Final eligibility will be determined based on confirmation of the validity of your claim.