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Isuzu Motors faces class action over alleged defeat devices
A class action against Isuzu Motors over its manufacturer of Isuzu D-Max and MU-X models has been filed in the Federal Court.
Naomi Neilson
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Piper Alderman alleged the Japanese car maker deployed “defeat devices” that caused the two vehicles to emit higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollutants in normal driving conditions than they did during testing.
“Diesel emissions like NOx are harmful to both human health and the natural environment,” partner Martin del Gallego said.
Partner Beau Weigand added the class action seeks compensation for consumers of the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X models who were “unaware that those vehicles contained ‘defeat devices’”.
In the statement of claim filed with the Federal Court, the firm alleged Isuzu misrepresented that the subject vehicles complied with the regulatory requirements, breached statutory guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, and engaged in unconscionable conduct.
Earlier this year, Piper Alderman filed a class action relating to the defeat devices alleged to be fitted in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Woodsford chief investment officer Charlie Morris said the Isuzu class action “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”.
“This action seeks to hold Isuzu to account for this [alleged] misconduct and to deliver due compensation to Australian Isuzu owners,” he added.
The class action specifically concerns anyone who has 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 in the period between 1 January 2016 and 14 August 2024.
“We encourage any such consumer to visit our website and register for more information,” Weigand said.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
