A new chapter has started in Volkswagens Dieselgate, because the Dutch Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation (DEJF) has issued a subpoena against the Volkswagen Group. The aim of the legal step is to ensure that Europeans also receive compensation.
DEJF issued the subpoena last Friday against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Seat S.A., Skoda Auto A.S. Porsche AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Pon’s Automobielhandel BV and individual Dutch dealers. The summons follows a letter at the end of January in which the foundation has held the parties liable for all damage caused or to be caused by the “cheating diesel engines”. The foundation made itself heard at the end of September. Then it became clear that it had aimed its arrows at the manufacturer.
The Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation is relying on a new law that has been in force since January 1, 2020: the Mass Damage in Collective Action (WAMCA) Act. Femke Hendriks, director of the foundation: “This law offers access to justice” for millions of duped consumers, living within or outside the Netherlands. WAMCA facilitates collective claims for damages and puts further pressure on Volkswagen. It is time that Volkswagen also in Europe the bill is presented for its action. ”
Hendriks refers to legal action taken elsewhere with the latter judgment. In the United States, Australia, Canada and South Korea, Volkswagen has already had to pay billions in damages and fines. Moreover, this new initiative is not the first in Europe. A claim is also currently being prepared in Germany. There Volkswagen already takes responsibility for its actions in Europe. According to the DEJF, these developments offer hope. We are still awaiting a response from Volkswagen Netherlands.
Dieselgate has been chasing Volkswagen for years. The giant purposely installed illegal software between 2009 and 2016, manipulating emissions tests. DEJF: “For example, car owners and authorities were wrongly given the impression that the cars in question were clean. On the road, these cars emitted 10 to 40 times more NOx (nitrogen) than in test situations. ”