VAUXHALL Astra and Corsa owners could be affected by a new legal action issued against the car manufacturer in relation to alleged defeat devices on their cars.
Lawyers at Milberg London have launched a new Vauxhall Pay Up campaign which, if successful, could see millions of drivers receive compensation. Millberg London says the popular Corsa and Astra models are included in the action.
In a statement to Express.co.uk, the firm said owners of cars built between 2009 and 2019 could be affected.
They said: “We believe the following Vauxhall models made between 2009 and 2019 are affected: “Zafira 1.6 and 2.0, Cascada 2.0, Insignia 2.0, Movano, Corsa, Astra, Mokka
“We are still investigating which models are affected so it may be that the above list is expanded.
“We encourage anyone who owned or leased a Diesel Vauxhall made between 2009 and 2019 regardless of model to check whether they could be in line for compensation by going to the claim checker at www.vauxhallpayup.co.uk.”
Millberg London said owners may have purchased models on a “false premise” as consumers had a reasonable expectation their car would meet environmental standards.
They said it is possible the cars were far more polluting than drivers were initially told and would have pumped more harmful substances into the air.
The models would have been worth less than drivers paid for them and are worth even less in today’s second-hand car market.
The Vauxhall Pay Up campaign said it has cited evidence from regulators, academic studies and forensic analysis which suggests Vauxhall have installed defeat devices in their cars.
These devices are installed into the car’s engine management system to cheat emissions tests.
The tools show the car emitting lower pollution in test conditions to pass emissions standards but do not reflect the car’s real-world conditions.
Edward Cardington, partner at Millberg London LLP has urged drivers to “check out” whether they may be eligible to join the claim.
He said: “My advice today is if you are in doubt, check it out.
It costs nothing to take part in this group litigation; the risk is borne by the lawyers if we lose; if we win Vauxhall owners could receive thousands in compensation.
“In our view, there isn’t much to lose.”
The Vauxhall Pay Up campaign said it will claim under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
This states customers could receive between 25 and 75 percent back on the cost of the product if consumers may have been sold items using misleading information.
However, Vauxhall has denied the allegations, rejecting the claims of using defeat devices in their cars.
A statement from Vauxhall said: “Vauxhall Motors is not aware of any such claim and rejects any accusation of using illegal defeat devices.
“Our vehicles meet the applicable regulations.”
