Dieselgate: Court decision exposes Volkswagen to lawsuits

The European Union's highest court has broadened the definition of illegal emissions-cheating technology on Thursday, laying the groundwork for future lawsuits against Volkswagen Group. Defeat devices were previously only considered illegal if they manipulated emissions tests after the emissions were produced. The ruling now includes 'upstream' technology used in order to subvert government emissions tests – even if the claimed intention was to improve engine longevity.