Some of the world’s largest car manufacturers are facing 1.5 million lawsuits in Britain, accused of cheating emissions tests.
These claims could cost them at least 6 billion pounds ($7.6 billion), according to claimants’ lawyers who spoke to London’s High Court on Tuesday.
The lawsuits, initiated by owners of diesel vehicles, are part of the continuing repercussions for automakers following the 2015 Volkswagen scandal.
Volkswagen had admitted to using “defeat devices” to alter diesel vehicles’ emissions during testing.
Among the accused manufacturers are Mercedes-Benz and Ford, who are alleged to have misled customers about their vehicles’ compliance with nitrogen oxide emissions standards.
Both companies deny these allegations.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz, which is facing around 300,000 claims, stated:
“We continue to believe that the claims against Mercedes-Benz are without merit and will vigorously defend ourselves against them or any group action with the necessary legal means.”
Similarly, a Ford spokesperson responded:
“We see no merit in these claims and are robustly defending against them. Our vehicles and engines meet all applicable emissions requirements.”
The “dieselgate” scandal has already cost Volkswagen over 32 billion euros ($34 billion) in vehicle refits, fines, and legal expenses.
In 2022, Volkswagen agreed to pay 193 million pounds to settle claims from approximately 91,000 British drivers, without admitting liability.
At a preliminary hearing, lawyers representing a coalition of claimants revealed that around 1.5 million people are suing 13 different vehicle manufacturing groups.
Claimants’ lawyer Benjamin Williams mentioned in court documents that the exact value of individual claims had not been determined.
However, he noted that “even if the claims were valued conservatively” at 4,000 pounds each, the total value of all lawsuits would be “at least” 6 billion pounds.
The litigation costs are expected to be significant.
Claimants’ lawyers estimate they will need to spend nearly 400 million pounds up to a potential third trial in 2026, while carmakers estimate their legal costs to be 321 million pounds.