A law firm in London has said that at least 600,000 Vauxhall diesel vehicles were installed with cheat devices used to manipulate emissions testing. Estimates indicate that over a million affected Zafira, Corsa, and Astra drivers may each get a payout of approximately £2,500.
According to the law firm, the manufacturer mis-sold the vehicles because, allegedly, Vauxhall advertised their vehicles as being emissions-compliant when, in fact, Vauxhall’s cars release excessive amounts of toxic gases. As such, most of the cars shouldn’t have been sold at a premium price.
The toxic emissions that Vauxhall releases are known as nitrogen oxides (NOx), a highly reactive group of pollutants.
This latest development is part of the Vauxhall diesel emissions scandal involving drivers who purchased a used or new Vauxhall between the years 2009 and 2019. Law firms are now working on bringing legal action against the carmaker on behalf of the affected drivers.
Vauxhall denies all the allegations that they used defeat devices in their diesel vehicles. They have said all their manufactured vehicles follow regulations.
The Vauxhall diesel emissions scandal follows the Dieselgate scandal that involved the Volkswagen Group.
What’s the Dieselgate scandal about?
The Volkswagen Group received a notice from US authorities alleging that the carmaker used defeat devices in their diesel vehicles. The devices are intended to cheat regulatory testing. While the testing is ongoing, the device temporarily suppresses emissions levels so these would stay within the World Health Organization (WHO)-mandated limits.
When authorities check the vehicle, the car or van appears environmentally safe. This changes when the vehicle is taken out and driven on real roads. It shifts back to its default settings and as a result, releases massive volumes of nitrogen oxides. Thus, in essence, Vauxhall lied to their customers when they marketed and sold the vehicles as emissions-compliant.
Volkswagen was just the first of many vehicle manufacturers that got entangled in the diesel emissions scandal. Vauxhall is one of these carmakers, and like the others, they’ve had to deal with fines, legal fees, and vehicle recalls.
The Vauxhall emissions scandal
The KBA or German Transport Authority found out that Vauxhall equipped their diesel vehicles with defeat devices so they could manipulate emissions testing. As a result, around 500,000 Vauxhall diesel vehicles in the UK have been recalled. Authorities estimate that at least 600,000 affected Vauxhalls were sold in the UK over a period of 10 years.
Since the scandal is still fairly new, there are new developments almost every day. Nevertheless, it is essential to take note of the Vauxhall diesel vehicles that are affected by the diesel emissions scam:
- Mokka
- Astra
- Corsa
- Cascada
- Zafira Tourer
- Zafira
- Insignia
The vehicle should have been manufactured between the years 2008 and 2019.
Why are NOx emissions dangerous?
Nitrogen oxide has two primary components that significantly contribute to its impact on the environment and human health – nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases become dangerous when they react and transform into nitrogen oxide.
NOx emissions are known as a catalyst for acid rain and smog. They also form ground-level ozone, a pollutant that affects vegetation. When plants and crops are exposed to ozone, they can become weaker and more susceptible to damage and frost.
There have also been numerous studies that conclude that a person who is regularly exposed to NOx emissions can experience mental health triggers, particularly depression and anxiety. Cognitive abilities may also be affected, which means there is an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
If a person is exposed to NOx emissions, they will be hounded by various illnesses and health issues, such as asthma, breathing difficulties, bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory-related diseases.
They will also have to deal with serious health impacts, such as laryngospasm or vocal cord spasm, asphyxia, and chronic reduction of lung function. Cardiovascular diseases are the direst of these, having the greatest potential to cause premature death.
These impacts should push affected car owners to bring a claim against their manufacturer for using defeat devices. By holding them responsible for their deceitful actions, car owners can help in the campaign against toxic air.
Diesel emissions claim
If you believe your Vauxhall diesel vehicle is equipped with a defeat device, you can bring forward a diesel claim against your manufacturer. Before you can start the process, though, you’ll have to verify your eligibility to make a claim. There are specific requirements and qualifications that you need to consider.
ClaimExperts.co.uk has a panel of emissions experts who know the ins and outs of the industry. Have your eligibility verified and once this is done, you can start working on your Vauxhall emissions claim.