Understanding the Citroen Diesel Emissions Scandal
The allegations surrounding the Citroen diesel emissions scandal pertain to the use of defeat devices in Citroen vehicles in order to manipulate results during emissions tests. These cheat devices are designed to lower emissions levels specifically during regulatory tests, creating the illusion of compliance with emissions standards. However, in reality, these vehicles emit higher levels of pollutants during normal driving conditions. As a result of these allegations, Citroen, which is part of the PSA Group, faced intense scrutiny and legal action that had a profound impact on the automotive industry.
The Citroën Diesel Emissions Scandal came to light after the Dieselgate scandal involving Volkswagen's use of a "defeat device" in 2015. In 2017, Citroën found itself under investigation by the French consumer watchdog DGCCRF for potential irregularities in diesel emissions. The PSA Group, as the owner of Citroën, faced the risk of €5 billion in fines after investigations indicated that approximately 1.9 million vehicles may have been equipped with fraudulent devices. Additionally, a government probe in France revealed higher real-world NOx emissions in PSA vehicles, raising concerns about health and the environment. It is worth noting that NOx is associated with various diseases and contributes to a significant number of air pollution-related deaths each year in the UK.
The Allegations Against Citroen
Citroen, along with other car manufacturers, faced allegations of using defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. Regulatory authorities and legal firms investigated these allegations across multiple countries, including France. French prosecutors spearheaded an extensive probe into Citroen's emissions testing practices, aiming to uncover any violations of emissions standards. The PSA Group, the parent company of Citroen, was also implicated in these investigations.
The scandal affected a wide range of Citroen diesel vehicle owners, who were affected by the emissions manipulation. As the investigations unfolded, affected car owners sought legal advice and support to understand their rights and potential compensation claims. The role of regulatory authorities, legal firms, and consumer watchdogs like the French consumer watchdog DGCCRF played a significant role in uncovering the allegations and ensuring accountability.
The Underlying Issue of Defeat Devices
The use of defeat devices, also known as cheat devices, is a means to manipulate emissions testing results and allow vehicles to pass regulatory tests by reducing emissions levels. This practice violates emissions standards and has resulted in legal action and compensation claims, such as group actions against car brands like VW Group, PSA Group, and Land Rover. The scandal prompted regulatory investigations and scrutiny from the French government, UK law, law firms, and the High Court, with compensation amounts being a subject of interest.
Citroen Emissions Scandal: Key Statistics
| Statistic | Source |
|---|---|
| Citroën's parent company, PSA Group (now part of Stellantis), faced allegations of using defeat devices in some diesel models | Reuters |
| PSA Group recalled 97,000 vehicles in France, including Citroën models, to update emissions control software | Automotive News Europe |
| The recall included Citroën C4 Cactus and C4 Picasso diesel models produced between 2013 and 2017 | Le Monde |
| Tests conducted by the French government found that some Citroën diesel models emitted up to 11 times the legal limit of nitrogen oxide (NOx) | Les Echos |
| PSA Group set aside €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) to cover the costs related to the emissions issues, including those for Citroën vehicles | Financial Times |
| Citroën's market share in Europe dropped from 3.6% to 3.3% in the aftermath of the scandal | JATO Dynamics |
| The French government launched an investigation into PSA Group's emissions practices, including those related to Citroën models, in 2016 | Reuters |
| PSA Group agreed to pay €8 million ($9.4 million) to settle emissions-related claims in France, including those involving Citroën vehicles | Automotive News Europe |
| Citroën's sales in France dropped by 1.8% in 2016, the year following the emergence of the emissions allegations, compared to the previous year | Le Figaro |
Please note that these statistics were sourced from various news outlets and may be subject to updates as the Citroën emissions scandal develops.
Which Citroen Models Implicated in the Scandal?
The diesel claim scandal has affected several Citroen models. If you own a Citroen vehicle, you may be wondering if your model is implicated in the scandal and if you are eligible for compensation. Keep reading to find out which specific Citroen models have been involved in the controversy.
The European Commission conducted a study that discovered significantly elevated pollution levels in Citroën's C4 Cactus Blue HDI 100. The emissions recorded were more than seven times higher than the officially declared levels. The investigation conducted by the French authorities is concentrated on around 1.9 million vehicles, primarily diesel, that adhere to Euro 5 standards. These vehicles were manufactured between 2009 and 2018. It is important to note that further research may result in updates to these findings.
Identifying Your Citroen Model & Confirming Your Model's Involvement
You will simply need to enter your registration number into our system along with your ownership period and we can tell you in seconds if your vehicle was affected. You then complete the simple form and you are allocated a solicitor to make the claim against Citroën
The Legitimacy of a Diesel Claim
While some car brands have been accused of using cheat devices, the legitimacy of a diesel claim against Citroen depends on various factors. The involvement of the PSA Group and the ongoing legal claims against other car manufacturers like VW Group and Fiat Chrysler also influence the situation. The amount of compensation, if eligible, may vary based on individual circumstances under UK law. Additionally, the actions taken by French prosecutors and the French government could impact the outcome of the claim.
Handling the Citroen Diesel Emissions Claim Process
Understanding the diesel claim Citroen process entails a detailed evaluation of eligibility, supported by evidence. To begin, consumers impacted by the cheat device must navigate the complex legal terrain involving PSA Group, French prosecutors, and the UK High Court. Compensation amount, obtained through group action, varies among car brands like Land Rover and Fiat Chrysler. Legal claims, facilitated by law firms such as our legal experts, require adherence to UK law and collaboration with the French government.
Can You File a Claim Yourself against Citroen?
Filing a claim against Citroen yourself requires understanding car finance, compensation, and vehicle registration. You'll need knowledge of the affected vehicle and emissions scandal to file a successful claim independently. Understanding diesel emissions claims, standards, and testing is crucial. Knowledge of legal costs and emissions standards is also important, it will also cost you more money to bring Citroën to court than you would be able to claim, so in short, no, you can't.
Duration of a Diesel Emissions Claim
The duration of a diesel emissions claim hinges on various factors, including legal action, regulatory tests, and emissions testing probes. Understanding the impact of legal fees, claims management companies, and vehicle manufacturers is crucial. Additionally, the claim duration may vary based on NOx emissions, legal panels, and emissions standards. Furthermore, emissions litigation, affected vehicle details, and legal costs also play a significant role in determining the duration of the claim.
Factors Affecting Compensation Amount
Factors influencing the compensation amount include the type of vehicle and the strength of the claim. The severity of impact on the claimant is also a crucial factor. Legal costs, success fees, and the registration number of the affected vehicle play a significant role in determining the compensation. Additionally, NOx emissions, vehicle registration, and legal fees are all pivotal in impacting the compensation amount.
Estimating Your Potential Compensation
Estimating your potential compensation involves analysing the vehicle's emission levels and test conditions to gauge the extent of the claim. Consider the car's registration number and affected vehicle details for an accurate estimation. Expert legal advice is crucial for evaluating the legal costs and compensation amount. The estimation depends on the vehicle, legal fees, and NOx emissions levels. Acquiring knowledge of emissions testing probe and legal panel is essential for accurately estimating compensation.
Aftermath of a Successful Citroen Diesel Emissions Claim
After successfully claiming compensation for the Citroen diesel emissions issue, individuals may receive an amount of compensation that reflects the impact of the cheat device. The legal claim against PSA Group, the parent company of Citroen, was a part of a group action, also targeting other car brands like Fiat Chrysler and Land Rover. This group action was pursued by our legal experts and involved UK car finance PCP agreements. The outcome was influenced by the actions of French prosecutors, the French government, and the High Court in the UK, all within the framework of UK law.
Is it Time to Start Your Citroen Diesel Emissions Compensation Claim?
If you have owned a Citroen diesel then the answer is yes, start your Citroen diesel claim today and be part of the group claim against Citroen.
