In recent years, the automotive world has been rocked by a series of scandals surrounding diesel emissions. Major manufacturers like Volkswagen have been at the centre of the controversy, and now claims have opened up against Volvo, one of the latest companies to face allegations of manipulating emissions data. This has sparked a wave of legal action from consumers who were misled by claims of “clean diesel” vehicles that, in reality, exceeded environmental limits.
The legal battles that began with Volkswagen, which resulted in a massive payout of £193 million to 91,000 claimants, have set the stage for similar cases. The average payout from the Volkswagen case was over £2,100 per claimant, setting a precedent for what affected drivers of other manufacturers could expect. Volvo, alongside other renowned brands like BMW, Citroën, Ford, Peugeot, Jaguar, and Land Rover, now faces claims for vehicles sold between 2009 and 2022.
How Did It All Start?
The diesel emissions scandal, often referred to as “Dieselgate,” began in 2015 when it was revealed that Volkswagen had installed software in its diesel cars that manipulated emissions tests. This allowed the vehicles to appear cleaner in test environments than they actually were during real-world driving. The fallout was immense, with multiple countries launching investigations and consumers feeling betrayed by the brands they trusted.
Following Volkswagen’s scandal, investigations broadened, and other manufacturers were found to be involved in similar practices. Volvo is the latest in a line of companies facing scrutiny for potentially misleading consumers and regulators about the true environmental impact of their vehicles.
Who Can Make a Claim?
If you purchased or leased a diesel vehicle from any of the following brands between 2009 and 2022, you may be eligible to make a claim:
Volvo
BMW
Citroën
Ford
Peugeot
Jaguar & Land Rover
Owners and lessees of diesel vehicles from these manufacturers are encouraged to check if their car was affected by emissions manipulations. This includes private owners, fleet owners, and even companies that leased cars for business purposes.
Why Should You Make a Claim?
If you were sold a vehicle under the belief that it was environmentally friendly or met legal emissions standards, only to find out that it did not, you may be entitled to compensation. These manipulations not only impact the environment but can also reduce the resale value of your vehicle and increase running costs.
Given the precedent set by the Volkswagen case, there’s a real possibility of significant financial compensation. While no exact figures have been released regarding potential payouts in the Volvo and other manufacturers’ claims, the average of over £2,100 from the Volkswagen settlement gives an idea of what may be on the table.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
Time is running out for affected drivers to sign up for diesel emissions claims. The deadline to join these legal actions is later this year. If you miss this window, you may lose your chance to secure compensation, even if your vehicle was affected. Therefore, it’s crucial to take action now and see if you qualify for a claim.
To avoid missing out, affected drivers should act promptly. Many legal firms and claims specialists are offering no-win-no-fee arrangements, making it financially risk-free to sign up.
Don't wait—check your eligibility now to ensure you don't miss out on a potential payout!
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