UK Court Refuses Permission to Appeal in Diesel Emissions Suits Against Carmakers

London’s High Court on Thursday refused claimants permission to appeal against its July decision which broadly found in favor of some of the world’s biggest carmakers over diesel emissions.

The High Court had rejected most of the allegations that 20 sample vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Nissan, Renault and the Stellantis-owned brands Peugeot and Citroen were fitted with unlawful “defeat devices,” that allegedly led to higher emissions.

That ruling came after a trial, which began in October 2025, which was the most significant hearing to date in 13 groups of lawsuits brought by around 1.6 million claimants.

Judge Sara Cockerill refused permission to appeal against her ruling, saying the claimants would have to apply directly to the Court of Appeal.

(Reporting by Tobin; editing by Sarah Young)