Daily Bulletin

  • Written by Media Release


In what is believed to be a world-first since the global Dieselgate emissions scandal began, the Federal Court has ordered that vehicle giant Volkswagen and its subsidiaries Audi and Skoda give sworn testimony answering why dual-mode software was installed in their diesel vehicles.

 

After treating the Australian jurisdiction as a “backwater”, the vehicle manufacturers have now been ordered to explain – under oath – what difference, if any, exists between the Australian and US vehicle software and why the dual-mode software was installed in the first place.

 

The Federal Court’s Justice Lindsay Foster made the orders this week, in the consumer class actions brought on behalf of around 100,000 affected Australian motorists.

 

“The interrogatory (interrogatory one) calls for a succinct and plain answer to a question which goes to the heart of the present proceedings,” Justice Foster wrote in his judgment.

 

“It seems to me that it would be a relevant matter for the court to know why it was that the software was developed and installed in the EA189 diesel engine found in vehicles sold in Australia.”

 

In line with the court order, the interrogatories have been issued to the manufacturers today (Friday 15 September), with a response to be filed with the Court by 16 October, ahead of a first stage trial of the class actions and the ACCC’s claims, scheduled for 30 October this year.

 

Jason Geisker, class action lawyer leading the Maurice Blackburn claims, believes this is the first time these vehicle manufacturers have been directed to answer questions under oath that are central to the ongoing diesel emissions scandal.

 

“I think these are precisely the sorts of questions that our clients want answers to and that may be why they are precisely the types of questions that Volkswagen would not want to answer,” Mr Geisker said.

 

“Fortunately, affected Australian motorists have access to a very effective class action legal system in Australia. Our system provides victims of mass wrongs, such as the 100,000 locally affected diesel motorists, with a potent way of holding wrongdoing manufacturers to account.

 

“It is astonishing that these companies which pride themselves on truth in engineering could work so extensively, over such a long period, to develop and implement deceptive software so as to bolster sales of overly polluting diesel vehicles rather developing real ways of genuinely reducing dangerous diesel emissions. Now affected motorists are about to find out the real story.”

Top Tips for Cost-effective Storefront Signage

The retail industry is highly competitive and if you are in the process of setting up a retail store, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few tips to help you create a stunning storefront...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

How Freight Forwarding Simplifies Global Trade Operations

Global trade operations are becoming increasingly complex due to international regulations, customs procedures, and the sheer scale of global logistics. For businesses looking to expand internation...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

How Car Accident Lawyers Protect Your Rights?

In the aftermath of a car accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your financial and legal future. This is where car accident lawyers step into the frame, equipped with expertise to sa...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Solutions Bridging Agriculture and Bulk Liquid Transport

The agricultural industry is heavily reliant on the efficient transport and storage of various liquids, from water and fertilisers to chemicals and pesticides. With farms often situated in rural or ...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

The Power of Expertise: How Car Accident Lawyers Help You Navigate the Legal Process

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can often be as traumatic as the event itself. The disruption it brings not only affects your physical well-being but also imposes significant legal and bu...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Tips for Hiring the Best Offshore Talent That Best Meets Your Business Needs

Companies across the globe are embracing outsourcing as a driving tool to increase productivity. Businesses especially those that want to realize increased productivity and cost reductions can partn...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin