Volkswagen to Face Criminal Trial in France Over Decade,Old ‘Dieselgate’ Scandal

A Paris court has ordered German automaker Volkswagen to stand trial for deceit regarding diesel emissions that allegedly endangered human and animal health. This move follows a series of global legal battles and convictions related to the 2015 scandal, further straining the company's reputation and financial outlook. While trial dates will be discussed in late 2026, hearings are not expected to begin until 2027 at the earliest.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Bloomberg

French Judiciary Moves Forward with Criminal Deceit Charges

Volkswagen is set to face a criminal trial in France over the long,standing diesel,emission scandal, commonly known as "Dieselgate," which first emerged more than ten years ago. According to reports from Agence France,Presse, the German automotive giant will be accused of deceit involving products that pose a significant risk to both human and animal health. The decision by the Paris court marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal fallout for the company within the European Union.

The case centers on the use of "defeat devices," software designed to cheat emissions tests, which allowed vehicles to pass regulatory inspections while emitting far higher levels of pollutants on the road. While Volkswagen has already paid billions in fines and settlements globally, this criminal proceeding in France indicates that the legal ramifications of the scandal are far from over. A court meeting scheduled for December 2026 will determine the specific timeline for the trial, though analysts suggest that the actual hearings are unlikely to commence before 2027.

Broadening Legal Scrutiny Across the European Auto Sector

The action against Volkswagen is part of a wider crackdown by French authorities on the automotive industry. In addition to the German manufacturer, French prosecutor units are actively pursuing cases against Renault and two units of Stellantis. All three companies have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their vehicles complied with the regulations in place at the time of manufacture.

The reverberations of the emissions scandal have cost the global car industry tens of billions of dollars in fines, recalls, and lost market value. The persistent nature of these investigations suggests a shift in how European regulators and courts handle corporate accountability regarding environmental standards. By pursuing criminal deceit charges, the French judiciary is signaling a lower tolerance for corporate practices that prioritize market share over public health and environmental integrity.