UK Volkswagen owners seek compensation over emissions scandal

Thousands of Volkswagen owners in the UK are seeking compensation following the emissions rigging scandal. 

Lawyers said 10,000 owners had already expressed an interest in suing VW, and estimate owners could get "several thousand" pounds in compensation.

VW told Reuters it would "defend such claims robustly".

A group of law firms, headed by Harcus Sinclair, is applying for a group litigation order in the High Court later this month.

The other firm involved in the order - which is similar to a US class action lawsuit - is Slater and Gordon. 

VW has admitted using software to cheat emissions tests leading to a recall of millions of cars worldwide.

There are 1.2 million diesel engine cars affected in the UK, including VWs, Audis, Seat and Skodas.

The legal action aims to get compensation for people who own or have previously owned one of the vehicles. 

Harcus Sinclair said it was basing its estimate of the level of compensation owners could get on the €5,000 (£4,300) per owner awarded in Spain and the $8-10,000 awarded in the US.

"The key allegation is that the affected cars should not have been certified as fit for sale because it is alleged that they produced higher levels of nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions than the rules allowed," it said in a statement.

"It is also alleged that the affected vehicles only passed official emissions test because their engines were fitted with a 'defeat device' which reduces nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions under test conditions."

'Defend robustly'

Seventy seven current or former VW owners have put their names to Harcus Sinclair's application for a group litigation order which will be heard in the High Court on 30 January.

The firm hopes that the marketing and publicity surrounding Monday's launch will encourage more drivers to sign up to the action.

It said it was also talking to other law firms about joining forces with them, in an effort to avoid cost duplication. 

If the High Court gives the action the go-ahead then a pre-trial hearing will follow and then the trial itself in about 18 months.

"We have been notified that Harcus Sinclair intends to bring proceedings against Volkswagen on behalf of 77 claimants in the English High Court," a VW spokesman said. "We intend to defend such claims robustly," he added.