UK court refuses permission to appeal in diesel emissions lawsuits against carmakers
F•London’s High Court refused claimants permission to appeal its July ruling, which broadly found in favour of some major carmakers. Lawyers representing around 1.6 million claimants said they would apply directly to the Court of Appeal.
1. Appeal bid continues
The High Court refused claimants permission to appeal its July decision in lawsuits over diesel emissions, but their lawyers said they would apply directly to the Court of Appeal. Judge Sara Cockerill said she would provide full reasons for her decision at a later date.
2. Most claims rejected
After a trial that began in October 2025, 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” were rejected. The lawsuits were brought in the wake of Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” scandal.
3. Claimants’ response
Martyn Day, senior partner at claimants’ law firm Leigh Day, said the decision was disappointing but “far from the end of the road” for the 1.6 million clients bringing claims.
