The British car manufacturer Vauxhall is allegedly the latest brand embroiled in the ongoing emissions scandal that has rocked the automotive industry in recent years. The issue first became known in 2015, when German car giant Volkswagen was found to have cheated emissions tests on its diesel engines. This led to similar investigations into other brands, and several have since admitted to breaking emissions laws.
Reports have recently emerged that Vauxhall, part of the French PSA Group, may have fitted emissions-cheating software to cars sold in the UK. The company is said to have used a so-called “defeat device” that allowed diesel vehicles to produce less harmful emissions when put through official tests than in real-world driving conditions. This would be a serious breach of emissions regulations and could have resulted in higher road pollution levels than previously thought.
The allegations against Vauxhall have been brought by a British law firm seeking emission compensation for affected drivers. The firm has launched legal action against the carmaker, claiming it misled customers about their vehicles’ toxic emissions. The law firm has accused Vauxhall of breaching consumer laws and is seeking £2,500 in damages for each affected driver.
Vauxhall has not yet explicitly commented on the legal action, but a spokesperson for the company said that it “does not cheat emissions test results.” The spokesperson added that Vauxhall vehicles “comply with all legal requirements.”
This is not the first time Vauxhall emissions claims have surfaced. In 2016, the carmaker recalled 234,000 cars fitted with “defects.” These cars included models such as the Corsa, Astra, and Zafira and were provided with 1.6-liter diesel engines. The UK government also fined the company over £50M for failing to inform customers about the emissions scandal properly.
The latest allegations against Vauxhall serve as a reminder that the emissions scandal is far from over. The issue has already cost Volkswagen billions of dollars in fines and compensation and prompted calls for tighter emissions regulations and greater transparency in the car industry.
As more brands are investigated, it becomes ever clearer that the need for reform in the sector is pressing. Consumers have the right to know that the vehicles they buy are safe and legal, and the car industry must take responsibility for any breaches of trust that occur. Only then can the public have confidence in the cars they drive and the companies that make them?
How emissions cheating devices work and why they are illegal
Certain car manufacturers use emissions-cheating devices to manipulate the results of emissions tests. These devices, usually software programs embedded in the vehicle’s engine control system, can help vehicles pass emissions tests by reducing the amount of harmful gases and pollutants released into the environment during testing.
However, these defeat devices are illegal because they circumvent the strict environmental regulations to minimize the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and public health. Using emissions-cheating devices violates the Clean Air Act in the United States and the European Union’s emissions regulations.
The emission standards that vehicles must meet vary worldwide, but they are usually enforced by measuring the amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter released from a vehicle’s exhaust system. These pollutants cause various health issues, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer.
The use of defeat devices not only violates emission standards but also undermines public trust in the automobile industry. This has led to significant financial and reputational damages for car manufacturers using these illegal devices.
In recent years, there has been increased public awareness and pressure to crack down on emissions-cheating devices. Governments worldwide are taking steps to tighten regulations and increase the transparency of emission testing procedures. Furthermore, car manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to produce cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles that do not rely on these illegal devices.
Am I eligible for a diesel claim?
If you own or have previously owned a Vauxhall diesel vehicle, there is a possibility that you may be eligible to file a diesel claim. This claim is for compensation due to diesel engines’ environmental impact and health risks.
You must provide evidence of ownership or usage of a diesel vehicle and demonstrate how the emissions negatively impacted you or your community. This can include medical records, environmental reports, and other supporting documentation.
It is important to note that there may be specific time constraints and eligibility requirements for filing a Vauxhall diesel claim. So, seeking an emission expert’s advice is advisable to ensure your claim is valid and supported by credible evidence.
If you believe you may be eligible for diesel compensation, you can head to Emissions.co.uk to explore your options and determine your eligibility.
