VW emissions scandal to hit hardest in Europe, where 50% of vehicles run on diesel
The VW emissions cheating scandal could kill diesel in the US (where less than 1% of vehicles run on diesel), and perhaps even in Europe, where more than 50% of cars are diesel-fuelled. “VW may have killed the niche, along with its reputation,” said University of Michigan business professor Erik Gordon. In fact, the implication for diesel use in Europe could be huge. London-based law firm Leigh Day is looking to the potential of claims for British VW customers, a representative of the firm said: “If it emerges that these cars in the UK passed tests because of this software, with emissions higher than legally permitted on the roads, then this is not only a breach of contract but a flagrant breach of EU emissions regulations, which specifically prohibit the use of defeat devices. (European) Consumers are thus entitled to bring claims for compensation directly against VW.”
Furthermore, the British Government has set up its own inquiry into car emissions and testing, including rerunning lab tests on suspect engines and conducting on the road emission tests. It has called on the European Commission to carry out a Europe-wide investigation into the industry in the wake of the VW test-rigging scandal.

Here’s more from London-based law firm Leigh Day on the potential claims for UK customers following the VW emissions scandal. The firm’s Bozena Michalowska-Howells said:

If it emerges that these cars in the UK passed tests because of this software, with emissions higher than legally permitted on the roads, then this is not only a breach of contract but a flagrant breach of EU emissions regulations, which specifically prohibit the use of defeat devices. Consumers are thus entitled to bring claims for compensation directly against VW.

In the event of a UK recall, Volkswagen should initiate contact with its customers to make arrangements concerning a repair. Consumers could be entitled to seek compensation for any increased fuel costs, depreciation of vehicle value, out of pocket expenses and costs associated with future repair including potential increases in Road Tax.

Those drivers who were charged more for the ‘clean diesel’ version of a vehicle could also be entitled to a refund of the difference in price.

In the last two days we have been inundated by Volkswagen owners who bought these vehicles specifically because of their alleged reduced fuel emissions and who are outraged by the company’s actions. They are looking to form a group action.