UK: Thousands of cars face recall in new Dieselgate scandal

Just when we thought the exhaust fumes had cleared, another Dieselgate scandal is revving up, threatening to stall thousands of cars and shock British drivers yet again. This time, the Department for Transport (DfT) is stepping on the accelerator pedal with a fresh probe that’s casting a spotlight on 47 car models from 11 different manufacturers. Suspicion is growing that certain diesel cars on the UK’s roads are puffing out more pollution than advertised. Although the DfT has zipped their lips on the exact makes and models under suspicion, we know, from a report in The Times, that a hefty 20 automotive brands are tangled in this latest emissions kerfuffle.

The latest probe hearkens back to the infamous Volkswagen scandal in 2015, which exposed how the German giant rigged diesel engines to “cheat” emissions tests. Known as Dieselgate, that scandal led to an eye-watering £193 million payout to over 90,000 UK drivers. But it looks like the nightmare of defeat devices — gadgets that help cars pass tests but belch out pollutants on the open road — is far from over. Environmental group ClientEarth seems to think so, anyway. Last year, it lodged a legal complaint that led to this investigation, calling for more transparency and digging into just how many cars might be equipped with emissions-duping tech.

The DfT has kicked off the first lap of its investigation, peering under the bonnet to hunt for these so-called “prohibited defeat devices” in diesel cars registered between 2009 and 2019. Experts fear that beyond the 47 models currently under the microscope, there could be as many as 200 models gassing up UK roads with more pollutants than permitted. If the allegations stick, we could be in for another tidal wave of recalls, with carmakers left footing the bill. As for drivers, they might just see some compensation checks rolling in, albeit likely dusted with irony.

The never ending saga:

Mercedes accused of using defeat devices, faced recalls in Germany

Former Audi CEO fined £945k, gets suspended sentence for Dieselgate role

And here’s why it matters: defeat devices can release harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are known culprits behind respiratory issues like asthma, with the UK’s own research linking them to 23,000 premature deaths every year. And, just like last time, authorities and drivers alike are left scratching their heads, wondering how much invisible smog has been adding up.

A spokesperson from the DfT didn’t mince words: “Defeat devices are illegal, misleading for drivers, and can have serious health impacts.” As officials get busy cross-checking emissions standards, industry bigwigs are scrambling for answers.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, added: “We are aware of a decision made by the European Court of Justice that brought into question the existing certification of vehicles approved for sale by governments across Europe over a number of years and are working with the department to understand what, if any, implications there may be for the UK.”

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