The suit claims that Isuzu deployed defeat devices in vehicles being sold in Australia
Piper Alderman has partnered with litigation funder Woodsford on a class action filed against Japanese car maker Isuzu Motors Limited – the firm’s second diesel emissions class action this year.
In the suit, the firm alleged that Isuzu deployed defeat devices in vehicles being sold in Australia.
“Diesel emissions like NOx are harmful to both human health and the natural environment. This class action alleges that Isuzu has sought to circumvent Australia’s rigorous emission standards by deploying ‘defeat devices’ in certain of its D-Max and MU-X vehicles, causing them to emit NOx pollutants in normal driving conditions at higher than permitted levels”, partner Martin del Gallego said.
Australia's vehicle approval regime is reliant on manufacturers providing accurate and complete evidence of compliance with applicable vehicle standards. Last Thursday, applicants filed a statement of claim in Federal Court accusing Isuzu of misrepresenting its compliance with applicable emissions standards. This, applicants said, constituted a violation of statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law and fell under unconscionable conduct.
The applicants are seeking compensation and aggravated and exemplary damages for those who acquired a legal or equitable interest in a 2017 or later Isuzu D-Max, and/or a 2016 (specifically, MY16.5) or later Isuzu MU-X, between 1 January 2016 and 14 August 2024.
“This action against Isuzu is the latest in an increasingly long line of legal actions across the globe relating to what appears to have been a common practice among diesel vehicle manufacturers of deceiving regulators and customers regarding emissions. This action seeks to hold Isuzu to account for this misconduct and to deliver due compensation to Australian Isuzu owners”, Woodsford Chief Investment Officer Charlie Morris explained.
Piper Alderman had also filed a class action earlier this year in relation to defeat devices being installed in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
