Dieselgate: Volkswagen Fined €100,000 in French Court Ruling

First French Verdict on Collective Consumer Harm

On May 5th, the appeals court in Pau issued a significant ruling, ordering Volkswagen Group France and Volkswagen Bank to pay €100,000 to CLCV (the French consumer protection association). The verdict addresses collective harm caused to consumers' interests in the Dieselgate scandal.

According to the court, the German automaker sold diesel vehicles between 2007 and 2015 that were equipped with software capable of circumventing emission tests. These models did not comply with the Euro5 emissions standard in force at the time of sale, contrary to the specifications presented to buyers. This represents the first French court condemnation of Volkswagen for collective consumer harm in the Dieselgate case.

Class Action Proceeding Moves Forward

CLCV has indicated that this ruling is part of a broader class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturer in the civil court of Soissons. The proceeding has already been deemed admissible and is scheduled for examination next year. The association estimates that approximately 950,000 French motorists are affected by the Dieselgate scandal.

However, it's important to note that this verdict will have no direct effect on individual consumers until the class action is concluded. Volkswagen diesel owners continue their collective legal action to pursue individual damages.

Financial Impact on Vehicle Owners

Volkswagen diesel owners affected by the scandal claim to have suffered financial losses on their vehicles' residual value. When the scandal broke, diesel models experienced significant depreciation at resale. Although diesel prices have since stabilized, owners continue seeking compensation for their losses.

Volkswagen Contests the Ruling

Volkswagen Group France has contested the appeals court decision. The company argues that the ruling is isolated and not final, and maintains that no collective consumer harm has been proven. The underlying case stems from proceedings initiated in Pau by an individual who purchased a vehicle in early 2010 before being informed of the defect in 2015.

In parallel, Volkswagen also faces criminal prosecution before the Paris criminal court on fraud charges. More than a decade after the Dieselgate scandal first erupted, French legal proceedings continue at a measured pace.

Source: leblogauto