As the diesel emissions scandal continues to plague the automotive industry, Vauxhall owners are joining the list of manufacturers who have been caught cheating on emissions testing. Vauxhall was accused of cheating on emissions tests by UK authorities and subsequently agreed to recall almost 234,000 diesel cars equipped with so-called “emission defeat devices” to improve emissions performance, costing the company millions of pounds in repairs. However, experts warn that many Vauxhall owners may be owed thousands of pounds in financial compensation due to the company’s alleged fraudulent misrepresentation and marketing of its diesel vehicles. 

Recalling Dieselgate

The Dieselgate scandal, also known as the Volkswagen emissions scandal, refers to the intentional manipulation of emission tests conducted by Volkswagen Group, which was exposed in September 2015. The scandal affected approximately 11 million cars worldwide, including Audi, Nissan, and Porsche vehicles, all of which contained a diesel engine with software designed to cheat emissions tests.

During laboratory tests, the affected vehicles’ engines would emit significantly lower levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other harmful pollutants than they would in normal, day-to-day use. This was accomplished using “defeat devices,” which were embedded in the engine control software. These devices would detect when the car was being tested and would temporarily reduce NOx emissions to comply with emissions standards.

Once the tests were completed, the vehicles would revert to their normal mode of operation, emitting up to 40 times more NOx than allowed under the regulations. The scandal was uncovered by researchers at West Virginia University, who found that Volkswagen vehicles emitted significantly more NOx on the road than during laboratory tests.

The scandal led to significant financial losses for Volkswagen, including fines, compensation payouts, and the cost of recalling and repairing affected vehicles. Since then, several other car manufacturers have been implicated, including Vauxhall. 

Legal Implications for Vauxhall Owners

As of 2021, Vauxhall has not admitted liability for the use of these devices, however, the company is facing a large number of legal claims from customers who feel they were sold cars under false pretences. Additionally, the UK government has taken steps to investigate and prosecute Vauxhall for violating emissions regulations.

If you are a diesel Vauxhall owner, it is important to understand the implications of the emissions scandal. Firstly, the resale value of affected models may have decreased due to the negative publicity surrounding the use of defeat devices. Subsequently, this could result in a costly monetary loss if you decide to sell your vehicle.

Furthermore, owners of affected Vauxhall models may be experiencing a reduction in fuel efficiency and increased running costs due to the discovery of the defeat devices. These negative consequences may affect the owners of these vehicles’ daily use, such as commuting.

Owners of affected cars may be entitled to financial compensation if they can prove that their car depreciated because of Vauxhall’s deception and misrepresentation. 

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Diesel Vauxhall cars with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines sold between 2009 and 2020 were affected by the emissions scandal. The following models are included in the ongoing legal action against Vauxhall:

• Astra
• Zafira
• Corsa
• Insignia
• Cascada 
• Mokka
• Movano

Owners of Vauxhall diesel cars can also click here to check for eligibility. If your car is on the list of affected vehicles, you should consider claiming compensation. To do this, you will need to have your car independently evaluated to confirm that it does not meet the required emissions standards. This will involve taking the car to a testing centre and having it tested using the same methods as those used in the original emissions tests.

Protecting Your Rights as a Car Owner

Vauxhall owners who have concerns about their vehicle’s emissions or who believe they may be owed financial compensation because of Vauxhall’s fraudulent misrepresentation should seek expert legal advice. An experienced Vauxhall emissions claims lawyer can provide guidance on the legal implications of Vauxhall’s emissions cheating, and help owners understand their legal rights and options for compensation. Owners should also be aware of any deadlines for filing a diesel claim, as missing these dates can significantly impact their ability to recover compensation. 

Why You Should Consider Making a Claim

If you own a diesel Vauxhall car that is affected by the emissions scandal, you may be owed thousands of pounds in compensation. The compensation is not only intended to provide financial recompense for the costs associated with owning an illegal car but also for the emotional distress and inconvenience caused by the scandal.

Making a claim against Vauxhall is a way of holding the company to account for its failure to meet emissions standards and for putting the health of the public at risk. The emissions scandal has serious public health implications, and car manufacturers must be held accountable for their actions. Start yours now.