Newsletter October: Progress on Dieselgate Matters

What happened in the previous update?

For Mercedes, the WAMCA - the new class action law - applies only to Euro 6 cars; for Euro 5 claims, the old class action law (the WCAM) applies for the time being. This is currently the subject of cassation proceedings in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the case continues at the Amsterdam court, which is assessing whether Mercedes was right to keep information secret. Renault was required by the court to provide technical data on its diesel engines by 11 June 2025. In the case against Stellantis (Citroën, Peugeot, Opel), an interlocutory judgment was expected on 18 June 2025, which would decide whether Stellantis had to bring information on the operation of its diesel engines into the proceedings.

New developments in the dieselgate cases

In the collective action pending against Volkswagen, Volkswagen has reached a settlement with Dutch claims organisations over the sham diesels. Around 100,000 owners may receive compensation of between €300 and €2,500. This is very good news because it may guide the proceedings in which you participate. A settlement gives finality and avoids lengthy appeal proceedings. 

Mercedes

The Supreme Court is currently considering the Foundation's admissibility. The trial court has ruled that our foundation is admissible, but Mercedes has challenged that decision. Mercedes' other cases in the District Court are also still pending where, among other things, it has to be determined whether Mercedes may claim secrecy regarding information on the operation of its diesel engines.

Renault

Renault has still not complied with the court order to share technical info on the operation of its diesel engines. The court is upholding the order; refusal could have consequences. The information sharing is strictly confidential. Renault must comply by early October. The foundations update their summons in January, Renault responds in April, and the hearing is likely to follow after the summer. After that, the long-awaited final verdict is then expected to finally follow. 

Stellantis:

This summer, the court ruled that there is a presumption of evidence that Stellantis diesels contain sham software. As a result, Stellantis must now prove itself that it does not. The exchange of information is confidential. Stellantis is trying to delay the case by referring to ongoing investigations in France. We expect more clarity on the next steps in the case soon.

What does this mean for you?

• Mercedes: The decision of the Supreme Court is awaited as the admissibility of the Foundation is of great importance for the progress of this case. As soon as more is known about this, we will of course inform you.
• Renault: Renault yet to comply with court order to share technical information. The Judge again orders Renault to hand over the information and warns of the consequences if Renault does not comply. The court has also set the schedule for the rest of the proceedings, adding to the pressure for Renault.
• Stellantis: The court has adopted a so-called presumption of evidence of tampering software in Stellantis diesels. This means that Stellantis must now prove that no banned software was used. Information exchange is under strict secrecy. Stellantis is trying to delay the process by referring to French investigations. More clarity is expected in the near future and we will keep you informed. 

What can you do?

Do you have your VIN number not yet added? Please do so as soon as possible using the link in the confirmation e-mail. Without a VIN, we cannot process your claim.

Have you already done so? Then you do not need to do anything. Do keep your purchase documents well.

Stay tuned

We continue to work hard to recover compensation for you and all the
participants. We will keep you regularly updated on progress and any new
developments. Do you have any questions or doubts? Then feel free to contact us at
info@emissionclaim.nl.

Sincerely,

Team Emission Claim Foundation