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UK Court Rejects Diesel Claims, Flags Mercedes, Peugeot Devices

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

UK High Court rejected most of the 1.6 million motorists’ diesel claims.
Lady Justice Cockerill identified defeat devices only in certain Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot-Citroën models after a 15-week trial of 20 cars.
Mercedes-Benz said the ruling was largely favourable and is weighing an appeal.
Claimants’ lawyers will seek permission to appeal on EU law grounds.
Research links excess NOx to 124 000 premature deaths and 98 000 asthma cases from 2009-2024.

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Story summary

UK High Court rejected most of the 1.6 million motorists’ diesel claims.
Lady Justice Cockerill identified defeat devices only in certain Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot-Citroën models after a 15-week trial of 20 cars.
Mercedes-Benz said the ruling was largely favourable and is weighing an appeal.
Claimants’ lawyers will seek permission to appeal on EU law grounds.
Research links excess NOx to 124 000 premature deaths and 98 000 asthma cases from 2009-2024.