Overview

• The ECJ ruled that vehicle usage may be deducted from compensation owed to Volkswagen buyers under EU consumer-protection law.
• It found that capping awards at 15 percent of the purchase price does not conflict with EU rules.
• The court emphasized that any damages awarded must provide adequate reparation for harm caused by defeat-device software.
• Judges clarified that neither national approvals nor the timing of a software installation shields manufacturers from liability.
• Landgericht Ravensburg must now apply these EU principles to determine fair compensation in the pending diesel-emissions suits.