The Dutch foundation working on compensation for Volkswagen owners due to the diesel scandal is expanding its scope across Europe. The Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation (DEJF) announced a European mass claim at a press conference in Brussels to compensate for the loss in value caused by Volkswagen.
In the Netherlands, about ten thousand affected VW diesel drivers have signed up so far for a joint claim. Starting Tuesday, Belgians can also register, with France and Spain to follow shortly.
The DEJF targets not only car owners but also leasing companies and businesses. The foundation consolidates all claims and is prepared to initiate lawsuits in every EU country. Experts and lawyers will be engaged for this purpose.
In Europe, 8.5 million âcheating dieselsâ are on the road from the brands Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and Porsche, which in 2015 were revealed to have nitrogen oxide emissions far higher than declared due to âcheating softwareâ. The value of second-hand diesels has since dropped significantly, partly because repairs are often ineffective.
The core of the claim is that diesel cars are worth much less upon trade-in or sale now that it has become known they cause much more air pollution. Compensation has already been paid out in the US and Australia. Regarding Europe, the claim foundation has so far found little response from the âarrogantâ Volkswagen Group.
According to the lawyer, many car owners have not yet realized the enormous damage they are suffering with their outdated diesel cars.
The foundation is aiming for a settlement with Volkswagen under the Dutch Collective Settlement of Mass Damages Act (WCAM), which offers possibilities for compensation across Europe, if approved by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.
The foundation works on a âno cure no payâ basis and asks for about one-third of the compensation amount granted if successful.