Breaking News: Five Carmakers Go on Trial Over Emissions Cheat Claims
The High Court in London is set to begin a landmark trial against five leading carmakers accused of cheating on emissions tests. The case, which has been dubbed the "dieselgate" scandal, involves allegations that Mercedes, Ford, PeugeotCitroën, Renault, and Nissan used software to reduce emissions under test conditions.
Key Facts:
The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday
The five carmakers are accused of misleading 220,000 car owners
The case could eventually involve 1.6 million car owners
Nine other carmakers may face similar claims depending on the outcome
Timeline:
September 2015: The dieselgate scandal first emerged when the US Environmental Protection Agency accused Volkswagen of installing "defeat devices" in diesel cars.
2023: The High Court grants permission for the class action lawsuit to proceed against the five carmakers.
Immediate Impact and Response:
The trial is expected to have significant implications for the automotive industry, with potential fines and penalties running into billions of pounds. The car owners involved are seeking compensation for the alleged emissions cheat, which could affect the resale value of their vehicles.
Background Context:
The dieselgate scandal has raised concerns about the accuracy of emissions testing and the impact on public health. The use of "defeat devices" to manipulate emissions readings has been widely condemned by environmental groups and regulatory bodies.
What Happens Next:
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with lawyers for both sides presenting evidence and arguments. A verdict will be delivered at a later date, which could have far-reaching consequences for the automotive industry and the environment.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
