((Automatic translation by Reuters, see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto)) Sam Tobin
Some of the world's biggest carmakers face up to 1.5 million lawsuits in Britain for cheating emissions tests, costing them at least 6 billion pounds ($7.6 billion), lawyers for the plaintiffs told the High Court in London on Tuesday.
The complaints filed by owners of diesel vehicles highlight the fallout for automakers from a scandal that erupted in 2015.
Manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DE and Ford
FN has also been accused of misleading their customers about the compliance of certain vehicles with nitrogen oxide emission standards – something the companies deny.
A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz – which faces around 300,000 claims – said in a statement: “We continue to believe that the claims against Mercedes-Benz are without merit and we will vigorously defend against them or any class action with the necessary legal means.”
A Ford spokesman said: “There is no merit to these complaints and we defend ourselves against them vigorously. Our vehicles and engines meet all applicable emissions requirements.”
Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE's “dieselgate” scandal has cost the automaker more than 32 billion euros ($34 billion) in vehicle repairs, fines and legal costs.
The German group has agreed to pay £193m to settle claims by 91,000 British drivers by 2022, without admitting its liability.
Lawyers representing a coalition of plaintiffs said in a preliminary hearing that about 1.5 million plaintiffs are suing 13 different automakers.
Benjamin Williams, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, said in court documents that the value of the individual claims has yet to be determined.
But he added that although the claims were “conservatively estimated” at £4,000 each, the total value of the entire case would reach “at least” £6 billion.
Legal costs will also be substantial, with plaintiffs' lawyers estimating they will have to spend nearly £400 million in the run up to a possible third trial in 2026, with the carmaker's figure rising to £321 million.
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