Over Half a Million Vauxhalls Could Have Diesel Defeat Device Installed

In the wake of the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal, the automotive industry faces increasing scrutiny over emissions cheating and defeat devices. In recent news, it has been reported that over half a million Vauxhall diesel cars in the UK could have illegal software installed.

Reports state at least Vauxhall cars, such as the Astra, Corsa, and Zafira models, could be affected. The Vauxhall Pay Up campaign has enlisted over 60,000 claimants to participate in the ongoing litigation. According to the campaign, approximately 600,000 vehicles had “cheat” devices. Milberg London LLP, the legal representation for this case, has stated that the current claim amount exceeds £150 million. The investigation is still ongoing, but it is suspected that the software manipulated emissions test readings by tricking the engine to run a cleaner mode when tested, which resulted in lower levels of harmful emissions detected.

This revelation shocked Vauxhall owners, who believed they were driving fuel-efficient vehicles, especially since the company had previously distanced itself from the VW Dieselgate scandal. The news also raises further concerns about environmental damage and public health risks caused by toxic emissions as the automotive industry continues to break regulations and cut corners.

Revisiting Dieselgate

The Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal in 2015 set off a global wave of investigations and lawsuits against car manufacturers involved in emissions cheating. The scandal originated when VW was caught using a defeat device, which activated restricted emissions control systems during laboratory tests, artificially reducing the pollution levels reported.

However, the emission readings were much higher when the VW cars were driven on the road. The scandal affected millions of vehicles globally and caused severe damage to VW’s reputation and financial performance through fines and compensation payouts to customers.

Since then, several other brands, such as Fiat Chrysler, Daimler, Renault-Nissan, and BMW, have also been accused of using similar practices. The companies have argued that the devices were legal and necessary to ensure durability and safety under real-world driving conditions. Regulators and environmental groups have disputed this claim, arguing that emissions testing is necessary to protect public health and the environment.

What Can Consumers Do?

If you own a Vauxhall vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. You can file a diesel emissions claim against Vauxhall for loss of value, inconvenience, and increased fuel consumption caused by the alleged defeat device. You can start yours now by contacting a Vauxhall emissions claim specialist who can advise you on the process and help you with the necessary paperwork.

To file a claim, you will need to provide evidence of ownership, proof of purchase, and any relevant documentation. This may include MOT certificates, service history documents, and evidence of repairs. You must also explain how the alleged defeat device has impacted you.

Environmental Implications

The diesel emissions scandal has highlighted the severe consequences of environmental pollution, particularly from toxic exhaust fumes, which are responsible for premature deaths worldwide. Authorities have estimated that air pollution causes up to 40,000 premature deaths every year in the UK alone.

The scandal has also exposed the slow pace the automotive industry is transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives, namely electric vehicles. While some companies, such as Tesla, have made significant strides in developing electric cars, traditional automakers have been reluctant to switch due to higher development, manufacturing, and infrastructure costs.

Repercussions for Vauxhall

The scandal could have severe repercussions for Vauxhall, which has already faced criticism for handling previous issues with its Zafira model. The company had to recall over 230,000 Zafira models in 2016 following incidents of vehicles catching fire. They were criticised for taking too long to address the issue and not being transparent with their customers.

If it turns out that Vauxhall used diesel defeat devices in their vehicles, it could cost the company millions in fines, compensation payments, and damage to their reputation. It could also result in losing customer trust and affect their future sales.

The Future of Diesel Technology

The revelations about Vauxhall come at a time when diesel technology is facing increasing scrutiny and criticism. Diesel engines have long been touted as a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol engines, but recent studies have highlighted the health hazards associated with diesel fumes. Nitrogen oxides are known to cause respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. As a result, many cities worldwide, including London, have introduced low-emission zones and other measures to limit the use of diesel vehicles.

The investigation into Vauxhall may further undermine the reputation of diesel engines and prompt consumers to switch to alternatives such as electric or hybrid vehicles. With the UK government committed to phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the automotive industry faces increasing pressure to develop cleaner, greener technology.