It’s a case we’d almost forgotten about, but it certainly rocked the automotive industry like never before, causing an unprecedented transition of energy. If in several countries “Dieselgate” is ancient history, in France the case is still ongoing.

The procedure takes time, as the German giant filed a motion to quash its indictment dated May 6, 2021, including the denunciation. procedural violation regarding the conclusion of the examinationand considering, first of all, that he could not be prosecuted a second time for the facts, according to him, which had already been sanctioned by German justice in 2018. These facts led to the payment of a fine of one billion euros.

In France, Volkswagen is not off the hook

Unless French justice does not perceive it that way. In effect, The Paris Court of Appeal upheld the charges against Volkswagen in France and rejected the German manufacturer’s request to dismiss its claims.

” The decision was made today in no way decides the outcome of the criminal proceedings, and Volkswagen continues to enjoy the presumption of innocence. He will continue to use all legal avenues available to him to present this argument in the French courts.“, the group commented in a press release sent by its lawyer, Mayor Nicolas Yuk-Morel.

” In any case, Volkswagen denies the allegations of aggravated fraud against it in France and believes that French consumers have not suffered any compensatory damages in connection with the purchase of a Volkswagen vehicle.“, – the group for which a fine was paid in Germany still insists” however, this does not imply recognition of either the alleged facts or his responsibility“.

Recalling facts

We will remind, in 2015, after the accusations of the American environmental agency, Volkswagen admitted that it had equipped at least 11 million of its diesel models. software capable of making them less polluting during laboratory tests.

After a five-year investigation in France, Volkswagen as well as Renault, Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat-Chrysler were charged in mid-2021. “deception about a product that poses a danger to human or animal health”.

Dieselgate has already cost Volkswagen more than 30 billion euros, mostly in the United States, where the German group pleaded guilty to fraud in 2017.