CLCV and Others (Dispositif d'invalidation sur moteur diesel) (Judgment) French Text [2020] EUECJ C-693/18 (17 December 2020)

CLCV and Others (Dispositif d'invalidation sur moteur diesel) (Judgment) French Text [2020] EUECJ C-693/18 (17 December 2020)

A software integrated into the engine control unit that detects test conditions and modifies emission control performance to pass homologation, but reduces effectiveness under normal use, constitutes a 'defeat device' under Article 3(10) of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Such a device is prohibited unless strictly justified by engine protection or safety needs. The emission control system includes both post-treatment and in-engine measures such as EGR. The exceptions in Article 5(2) must be interpreted strictly and do not cover devices aimed at preventing engine aging or fouling.

Citation
[2020] EUECJ C-693/18
Parties
Interveners: CLCV et autres; Interveners: A et autres; Intervener: B; Interveners: AGLP et autres; Interveners: C et autres; Defendant: X (constructeur automobile); Intervener: Gouvernement français; Intervener: Gouvernement italien; Intervener: Commission européenne
Jurisdiction
European Union
Judgment Date
17 December 2020
Procedural Posture
Preliminary Ruling (renvoi Préjudiciel) / Judgment on Reference From National Court
Outcome
Questions referred answered; interpretation provided for national court.
Legal Topics
Vehicle Emissions Regulation, Defeat Devices, Homologation Procedures, Interpretation of Regulation (ec) No 715/2007, Consumer Fraud, Environmental Protection
European Union Law Environmental Law Criminal Law Consumer Protection Vehicle Emissions Regulation Defeat Devices Homologation Procedures Interpretation of Regulation (ec) No 715/2007 +2 more

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Parties

CLCV et autres

Interveners

A et autres

Interveners

B

Intervener

AGLP et autres

Interveners

C et autres

Interveners

X (constructeur automobile)

Defendant

Gouvernement français

Intervener

Gouvernement italien

Intervener

Commission européenne

Intervener

Procedural Posture

Preliminary Ruling (renvoi Préjudiciel) / Judgment on Reference From National Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Definition of 'element of design' under Article 3(10) of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
  2. 2 Scope of 'emission control system' under Article 3(10)
  3. 3 Qualification of software as a 'defeat device'

Ratio Decidendi

A software integrated into the engine control unit that detects test conditions and modifies emission control performance to pass homologation, but reduces effectiveness under normal use, constitutes a 'defeat device' under Article 3(10) of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Such a device is prohibited unless strictly justified by engine protection or safety needs. The emission control system includes both post-treatment and in-engine measures such as EGR. The exceptions in Article 5(2) must be interpreted strictly and do not cover devices aimed at preventing engine aging or fouling.

Court Disposition

Questions referred answered; interpretation provided for national court.

Orders

  • Article 3(10) of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 includes software as an 'element of design' if it affects emission control system effectiveness.
  • The emission control system covers both post-treatment and in-engine strategies, including EGR.