Thousands of vehicles are at risk of being recalled following an investigation by the Government which highlighted serious concerns in relation to the dieselgate scandal.
As part of the probe by the Department for Transport, roughly 47 different car models from 20 brands were seen to release more pollution than previously believed. The Times found that 11 manufacturers are suspected of being involved.
The DfT had started its first phase of the investigation into the car brands in response to a Freedom of Information request by ClientEarth.
According to reports, the DfT will look into the number of “prohibited defeat devices” in diesel cars registered between September 2009 and 2019, while theDfT warned that there could be at least 200 compromised car models.
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Defeat devices interfere with a vehicle’s emissions controls
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If the investigation results in mass recalls, car manufacturers could be left footing the bill which would create additional losses for the industry which is already struggling to meet its electric vehicle goals. Drivers could also be given compensation for the incident.
A DfT spokesperson said: “Defeat devices are illegal, misleading for drivers and can have negative health impacts on the public. We routinely and robustly check vehicles against emission standards and have acted quickly to set up an investigation on this matter. We will work with industry to resolve any issues identified.”
The spokesperson added that cars will be considered to have a defeat device if any “element of design” reduces “the effectiveness of the emission control system under conditions which may reasonably expected to be encountered in normal vehicle operation and use”.
A defeat device is a type of hardware or software design that interferes with a vehicle’s emissions controls in real-world driving conditions.
Defeat devices are illegal and can result in significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter being released into the air.
Emily Kearsey, a lawyer at ClientEarth, explained that excess emissions from vehicles are contributing to air pollution, which is the “biggest threat to public health in the UK”.
She warned that the “invisible killer” can shorten people’s lives while also reducing their quality of life. Reports from the DfT revealed that non-compliant vehicles will “require remedial action” and “all non-compliance will be addressed”.
In response to the issue, ClientEarth has urged Transport Secretary Louise Haigh to act with urgency and “not to bow to car makers’ interests”.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “We are aware of a decision made by the European Court of Justice that brought into question the existing certification of vehicles approved for sale by governments across Europe over a number of years and are working with the department to understand what, if any, implications there may be for the UK.”
Under current UK law, the Government is unable to initiate a nationwide recall on vehicles despite the 2021 Environment Act being introduced to create such laws.
Nick Molden, from Emissions Analytics, claimed that the company successfully tested 700 diesel vehicles from 30 different car brands since 2011 with shocking results showing all models had elevated pollution emissions.
Molden noted: “The devices typically allow better fuel consumption, driving power, convenience and reliability. If manufacturers are forced to remove the devices, they may need to compensate the owners.”
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Impacted cars are estimated to be registered between September 2009 and 2019
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According to the Money Savings Expert drivers can be eligible for compensation if they bought the vehicle without knowing about the alleged emissions flaws.
Drivers can also be eligible if they had a car or van fixed to comply with emissions standards and the fix itself led to “worse fuel efficiency or worse performance” potentially lowering its value or creating added costs.
