FCA facing £5bn emissions scandal bill

A case against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been issued over diesel emissions which could affect upwards of half a million vehicles in England and Wales.

The case has been filed by law firm PGMBM and alleges that FCA misled customers and authorities concerning the toxic emissions produced by certain models of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Suzuki and Iveco diesel vehicles.

Drivers who bought or leased these vehicles could now be entitled to £10,000 in compensation as part of this class action case.

In 2019, FCA agreed to a settlement worth $800m to resolve claims from the US Justice Department and the state of California, but this claim is the first in the UK.

PGMBM managing partner Tom Goodhead said: “Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has misled drivers about the true diesel emissions that many of their vehicles produce. This is yet another instance of a huge automotive firm conning consumers – with a significant impact on the environment and our collective wellbeing.

“FCA must be held to account for these practices, and this case will give consumers the opportunity to pursue some justice and be compensated for being misled by a company that they may have trusted.

“Legally, consumers could be entitled to anything up to the full cost of the affected vehicles. But based on similar legal actions around the world, we believe that £10,000 per claimant should be expected.”

That could mean a potential £5bn liability, however the vehicle manufacturer said in a statement: “FCA believes this claim to be totally without merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves against it.”

In a statement the FCA said: “FCA believes this claim to be totally without merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves against it.”