European owners of diesel cars submit claims for damages to VW

The Dutch foundation that is working on compensation for Volkswagen owners because of the diesel scandal is expanding its field of activity to all of Europe. The Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation (DEJF) announced a European mass claim at a press conference in Brussels to have Volkswagen compensate for the loss of value.

In the Netherlands, approximately ten thousand VW diesel drivers who have been duped have registered for a joint claim so far. Belgians can also register from Tuesday, and France and Spain will follow shortly.

The DEJF does not only target car owners, but also leasing companies and companies. The foundation brings all claims together and is ready to file lawsuits in any EU country. Experts and lawyers are recruited for this.

In Europe there are 8.5 million 'cheat diesels' of the Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Porsche brands, of which in 2015 it turned out that the nitrogen emissions due to 'cheating software' were much higher than anticipated. The value of second-hand diesels has now fallen sharply, partly because repairs would often not be effective.

The core of the claim is that the diesel cars have become worth much less when they are exchanged or sold now that it has become known that they cause much more air pollution. Reimbursements have already been paid in the US and Australia. As far as Europe is concerned, the claims foundation has so far received little response from the “arrogant” Volkswagen group.

According to the lawyer, many car owners are so far unaware of the enormous damage they suffer with their obsolete diesel cars.

The foundation is committed to a settlement with Volkswagen under the Dutch Collective Mass Claims Handling Act (WCAM), which offers possibilities for compensation throughout Europe, if the court in Amsterdam approves this.

The foundation works on a 'no cure no pay' basis and, if successful, requires approximately one third of the compensation amount paid.