Car giant Toyota has appealed a class action ruling which could see more than 260,000 Australians receive compensation for damages totalling over $2 billion.

In April, the Federal Court found that Toyota Hilux, Prado, and Fortuner diesel vehicles sold between 1 October 2015 and 23 April 2020 were equipped with defective diesel particulate filters (DPF) and that the company had engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct while marketing and selling the car.

The defective DPF systems caused white smoke and foul-smelling exhaust to be excessively emitted, while also reducing the sale value of the cars by 17.5 per cent.

Commencing this week, court-approved notices are being sent by email, text, and post to people who acquired one or more of the affected vehicles, inviting them to register their interest through an online portal HERE.

An estimated 260,000 drivers purchased these vehicles during the period, and with the average compensation payout of $10,500 per vehicle, Toyota could be facing a significant bill of over $2.7 billion.

Toyota has committed to opposing the Federal Court’s decision, stating in a press release that it would lodge an appeal.

“Toyota’s appeal includes challenges to the factual and legal basis for the award of damages, particularly in circumstances where many of the group members did not experience the DPF issue,” the statement read.

Toyota also stated it would continue to offer free-of-charge repairs to any vehicle owners affected by the issue.

Source: News.com.au | Toyota faces $2 billion class action as 260,000 Aussies affected by ‘defective’ vehicles.

21 June 2022