First Dieselgate ruling by Germany’s top court set to flag legal clarity

(EurActiv, 25 May 2020) Germany’s Federal High Court (BGH) will announce later on Monday (25 May) its first ruling in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, which is set to guide other courts and have a major impact on the entire auto industry. EURACTIV Germany reports.

The Karlsruhe court will rule on the case of Herbert Gilbert, the owner of a VW Sharan, who sued the car manufacturer for damages linked to wilful deceit and demanded the vehicle’s purchase price be refunded in full.

Following the court’s factual assessment in an oral hearing on 5 May, it seems highly likely that the judges will largely uphold his claim.

“The court followed our legal opinion in its assessments on 5 May,” said Gilbert’s legal representative, Claus Goldenstein, owner of law firm Goldenstein & Partner.

“Since the judge has already carried out his assessments very firmly, we do not expect there to be any surprises on Monday,” Goldenstein told EURACTIV Germany in an interview.

External link

EurActiv, 25 May 2020: First Dieselgate ruling by Germany’s top court set to flag legal clarity