Defeat for the Volkswagen Group in court: The ECJ has already ruled that defeat devices are not allowed in diesel engines. Such – the “thermo window” VW integrated into their software update to minimize emissions. The German constitutional court in Schleswig now decides: this is illegal! This can cost the car manufacturer dearly.
More than eight million diesel cars in the EU have already been affected by the VW Group emissions scandal. Since 2016, the owners have to take them to the workshop – to have a software update done. The promise: the nitrogen oxides emitted would then fall back into the normal range. They were drastically over the limit.
“Thermal window” is illegal
That was not met. Thanks to the so-called “thermo window” – a feature of the update – the emission control in diesel cars is still switched off at temperatures below 15 degrees. So cars continue to blow far too much nitrogen oxide into the air. which are very harmful to health. On the part of the VW Group, this defeat device should only have served to protect the engine and clean the exhaust gases.
The administrative court in Schleswig, Germany, now classifies this “solution” as illegal. The verdict is not yet legally binding. Should the Volkswagen Group also fail in a possible appeal, the illegal defeat device would have to be rectified. So for millions of diesel drivers, at least in Germany, it could be that way again: to the workshop! And of course at the expense of the manufacturer.
“Exhaust cleaning updates or withdrawal of approval” also possible in Austria
Should this decision become final, it could also mean progress in the legal settlement of the emission scandal for Austria – which is currently stagnant. It was not until January that VW prevented a Supreme Court ruling by reaching an agreement with one plaintiff. As early as 2022, the Court of Justice ruled that defeat devices such as the “thermal window” were illegal.
A legal effect of the ruling of the constitutional court in Schleswig in Germany could now also affect drivers of diesel cars in Austria. Peter Kolba, president of the Consumer Protection Association (VSV) pinpoints “updates of exhaust gas cleaning or withdrawal of approval” as a result.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
