The Volkswagen Group is set to face a new trial in France over its role in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, with prosecutors seeking a fine of up to €10 billion and potentially banning the company from certain commercial activities. The trial, scheduled to begin in December 2026, is the latest development in the ongoing saga of Volkswagen's defeat devices, which were used to cheat on emissions tests and deceive consumers. The scandal, which came to light in 2015, involved the installation of software in millions of diesel engines manufactured by Volkswagen, which were programmed to cheat on emissions tests and actually pollute significantly more under typical driving circumstances. The company has since paid billions of dollars in fines and damages to settle lawsuits in various countries, including the United States, where it agreed to pay $9.8 billion in damages to consumers. However, the French case is distinct, with prosecutors alleging ...
The Volkswagen Group is set to face a new trial in France over its role in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, with prosecutors seeking a fine of up to €10 billion and potentially banning the company from certain commercial activities. The trial, scheduled to begin in December 2026, is the latest development in the ongoing saga of Volkswagen’s defeat devices, which were used to cheat on emissions tests and deceive consumers.
The scandal, which came to light in 2015, involved the installation of software in millions of diesel engines manufactured by Volkswagen, which were programmed to cheat on emissions tests and actually pollute significantly more under typical driving circumstances. The company has since paid billions of dollars in fines and damages to settle lawsuits in various countries, including the United States, where it agreed to pay $9.8 billion in damages to consumers.
However, the French case is distinct, with prosecutors alleging that Volkswagen engaged in “deception” by marketing TDI models as more efficient and environmentally friendly than they were in reality. The company is facing a fine of up to 10% of its annual gross revenue, as well as the potential for bans on certain commercial marketing activities.
Lawyers for the victims of Volkswagen’s emissions scandal have welcomed the new trial, saying that it will help to “preserve the rights of the victims” and provide compensation for the material and moral damages suffered. The Volkswagen Group has yet to comment on the case, but its lawyers have previously contested the validity of aggravated deception during Dieselgate proceedings in France.
The trial is the latest chapter in a long-running saga that has had far-reaching consequences for the automotive industry. It has also highlighted the ongoing struggles of consumers who purchased vehicles with defeat devices, who are still seeking compensation and justice.
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