Volkswagen to Face French Justice for Dieselgate Emissions Scandal

On February 18, 2026, a preliminary hearing is scheduled in Paris to prepare for the trial of Volkswagen in connection with the Dieselgate scandal. This case involves over 1,500 civil parties, including both individuals and companies, marking one of the most significant legal challenges against the automaker in France.

According to an indictment issued by two investigating judges, Volkswagen is accused of installing a sophisticated device designed to circumvent European nitrogen oxide emissions standards. This fraudulent software enabled Volkswagen vehicles to pass regulatory approval tests despite emitting nitrogen oxide levels up to 40 times over the legal limit, as revealed by research from West Virginia University.

Volkswagen has admitted to selling 11 million vehicles worldwide equipped with this defeat device while marketing them as "clean diesel" cars. The scandal led to global legal actions and financial penalties exceeding 30 billion euros. Notably, Martin Winterkorn, former Volkswagen CEO, issued an apology, and Michael Horn, the head of Volkswagen America, acknowledged the company's grave mistake.

The legal proceedings in France underscore the complexity and scale of the case, with concerns raised about the capacity of the French judicial system to manage such a vast dossier. This trial represents a critical step in holding Volkswagen accountable for its role in one of the largest automotive scandals related to emissions cheating.