UK court refuses permission to appeal in diesel emissions lawsuits against carmakers
XLY•London’s High Court refused claimants permission to appeal its July ruling that broadly favored carmakers in diesel emissions lawsuits brought by around 1.6 million claimants.
1. Appeal permission refused
The High Court rejected most allegations that 20 sample vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Nissan, Renault and Stellantis-owned Peugeot and Citroen were fitted with unlawful defeat devices that allegedly increased emissions. Judge Sara Cockerill said claimants would have to apply directly to the Court of Appeal.
2. Lawsuit background
The ruling followed a trial that began in October 2025 and was the most significant hearing to date in 13 groups of lawsuits brought by around 1.6 million claimants.
