Following numerous lawsuits filed against its fellow Germany-based auto manufacturers in relation to diesel vehicle emissions cheating in the US, BMW is now being sued for similar reasons as well.
A lawsuit filed in US district court in New Jersey alleges that BMW utilized undisclosed emissions control devices (defeat devices) in X5 and 330d models sold in the US.
The lawsuit read: “BMW’s representations were misleading for failure to disclose its emissions manipulations.”
Continuing: “The vehicles’ promised power, fuel economy, and efficiency are obtained only by turning off or turning down emission controls when the software in these vehicles senses that they are not in an emissions testing environment.”
The lawsuit was filed by Steve Berman of the law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, and James Cecchi of the law firm Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello — on behalf of drivers/owners of affected BMW models in the US.
Reuters provides more: “BMW’s X5 model, built between 2009 and 2013, and the BMW 330d model, which was sold between 2009–2011, emit levels of nitrogen oxide ‘many times higher than their gasoline counterparts,’ the suit alleges.
“A spokesman for BMW in a statement said the company was thoroughly studying the lawsuit to understand what is being alleged. ‘As a matter of principle, BMW Group vehicles are not manipulated and comply with all respective legal requirements,’ the spokesman said.”
A credible statement, no doubt … at least as regarding a company spokesperson doing their job to deflect responsibility and leave all potential externalities on the backs of consumers and the general public.
Did BMW utilize undisclosed defeat devices in their diesel vehicles to technically meet emissions standards, while still allowing for increased emissions/performance outside of the testing parameters?
Considering that half of the auto manufacturers out there selling diesel cars and SUVs apparently have tricked the public in this way, and the fact other German auto manufacturers have, I’d say that it’s probably a safe bet to make that the firm did.
We’ll keep you posted as the situation develops.
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