March saw the High Court hear closing submissions and legal arguments in the Prohibited Defeat Device (PDD) trial in the Diesel Emissions Group Litigation. This followed the evidential trial that took place at the end of 2025. These three weeks gave the Claimants and all of the car manufacturers a final chance to present their closing arguments to Lady Justice Cockerill before the liability judgement is expected, likely before the end of July 2026.
What’s Next? Quantum and Causation Trial
Following a legal liability (or breach of duty of care) being established, the Claimants then need to show that they suffered a loss and that the loss was caused as a result of the breach.
Preparations for this stage of the case, which is listed for Trial commencing October 2026, is well underway including the selection of sample Claimants to assess loss, the findings of which will then be applied across many of the hundreds of thousands of Claimants bringing claims.
Case Management Conferences (“CMCs”)
Much of the focus on Quantum so far this year has been on three CMCs. The Court, presided over by Mr Justice Constable, was asked to set directions in relation to testing, expert evidence and disclosure, as well as evidence to calculate loss, the scope of this evidence, costs budgeting, and the scope of the Quantum Trial itself.
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