Major car firms found not to have emissions-cheating devices
A UK High Court judge has ruled that most major car manufacturers did not use prohibited emissions-cheating devices in their diesel vehicles. While the court found minor non-compliance in specific older models from Mercedes and Peugeot-Citroen, it rejected the majority of claims brought by 1.6 million motorists.
Why it matters
This ruling provides legal clarity for the automotive industry regarding emissions standards and impacts ongoing consumer litigation across the UK.
Image source, Getty Images By Marc Ashdown Business correspondent Published 10 July 2026 Vehicles from a host of major car manufacturers did not contain devices alleged to have allowed them to cheat on emissions tests, a judge at the High Court has ruled.
The article presents the court's findings neutrally, including statements from both the manufacturers and the context of the lawsuit.
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