A defeat device is software installed in some vehicles that detects when a car is being tested for emissions and temporarily adjusts its performance to pass the test. This means the vehicle can emit significantly fewer pollutants during testing than it does under normal driving conditions.
In the UK, this issue gained significant attention after Volkswagen was caught using defeat devices in diesel cars sold here. During emissions tests, these vehicles appeared to meet legal standards, but on the road, they emitted up to 40 times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than allowed by law. This had serious implications for air quality and public health.
For consumers, a defeat device can mean buying a car that seems environmentally friendly based on test results, only to find it pollutes much more in real-world driving conditions. This not only affects the environment but also your trust in manufacturers and regulators.
The UK government has taken steps to address this issue through regulations like the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing programme, which aims to measure emissions under real-world driving conditions rather than just during controlled tests. RDE ensures that vehicles meet emission standards throughout their lifecycle, not just during lab tests.
To protect yourself as a consumer, you should research and consider both laboratory test results and real-world emissions data before purchasing a vehicle. Look for cars with transparent reporting on actual road performance and seek out brands known for environmental responsibility.
How This Relates to the FCA Redress Scheme
The FCA motor finance redress scheme covers 12.1 million agreements with an average compensation of £829 per agreement. The total cost to firms is £9.1 billion. If you had PCP or HP finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, you may be eligible. The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You do not need a claims management company.