Word on the street: are they all doing it? – rumours are that other car manufacturing companies like Volkswagen are in some way ‘cheating’ emissions tests
After the recent car emissions scandal from Volkswagen, it seemed like things could not get any worse for the car manufacturing companies who have come under heavy scrutiny as others are accused of following suit, and perhaps even cheating the system.
Well, reports are finding that car manufacturers like Fiat and Suzuki may be emitting far more emissions than they should be doing. Renault and Nissan have also come under scrutiny as well, and this is off the back of Mitsubishi already admitting to bending the rules, and the likes of Opel being criticised for ways in which they may have used the rules to get around emissions restrictions.
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How long does a Group Action case take?
I know this may be a bit of an unfortunate answer, but it really does depend on the action!
But the purpose of this blog can be helpful to give you an insight in to how long a Group Action case could take, and why this may be the case.
Every Group Action is different, and with sometimes thousands of people being involved in them, it is common for Group Action cases to take some time.
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Samsung Galaxy exploding batteries forces recall
Faulty Samsung Galaxy batteries have been overheating and catching fire, as you may have heard in recent news stories. Obviously, this is a serious concern.
The Note 7 has been formally recalled after reports emerged about the handset spontaneously exploding. This news comes after previous incidents with phones exploding while on charge, but the reports of the Samsung Galaxy incidents so far are that they are liable to explode in people’s hands as well.
Our Group Action Lawyers are growing increasingly concerned about the reports emerging of the exploding handsets.
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The growing involvement of Bosch in the Volkswagen Emission Scandal
One of the first things we looked at was the technicalities behind how Volkswagen had developed intelligent software to basically know when a vehicle is being tested, and know when it’s not.
The science behind it is easy to grasp – the tests are so linear and standard that the technology knows when the car is being tested, by knowing things like steering patterns; speed; longevity of the drive; temperatures, etc.
But, whilst the parameters are easy to recognise, the technology is a pretty sophisticated piece of kit.
And that’s where Bosch comes in.
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The CMA are investigating a merger between children toy suppliers VTech and LeapFrog
Children’s toys and tech are expensive enough. Parents don’t need any reminders that the cost some of the latest toys and gadgets can attract, especially in peak times around Christmas.
So, although any merger situation is likely to be investigated by the CMA, to ensure competition is never adversely affected, it could be even more appropriate when it comes to pricey toys.
The CMA are looking in to the completed acquisition by VTech Holdings Limited of LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. in this case.
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Mazda recall 190,000 vehicles in the U.S. over reported steering control loss defect
Mazda are recalling 190,000 CX-7 sport vehicles after a potentially dangerous steering control problem was identified which could lead to a driver losing control of the steering function.
Water can reportedly enter the front suspension ball joint fittings which may then lead to corrosion and separation of joints, and eventually steering control loss.
The affected vehicles are said to have been manufactured between February 2006 and May 2012
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Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump system prone to insulin leaks – risk of hyperglycaemia
A Medical Device Alert has been issued with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump system using NovoRapid PumpCart cartridges which is reportedly prone to leakage.
Leakage of the devices, manufactured by Roche Diabetes Care, could lead to serious consequences for users, which could include hyperglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or even death.
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Wen hair products allegedly causing hair loss
OUR GROUP ACTION LAWYERS ARE INVESTIGATING THE FINDINGS AND ACCEPTING CASES FOR ANYONE AFFECTED
Celebrity endorsed hair care brand Wen has arguably done anything but deliver on the promise to ‘cleanse and condition the hair simultaneously’.
With more than 21,000 complaints lodged, and over 200 people reportedly affected in the United States, Wen hair products have allegedly made one of many woman’s worst nightmares come true – it allegedly made their hair fall out.
The damage the product has allegedly caused to women ranges from bald spots to complete baldness, and also causing scalp irritation and hair discolouration. This has led to women being unable to leave their houses and suffering depression.
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Truck Cartel – our experience in group actions
The companies involved in the truck cartel have received fines from the Commission of over 2.9 billion Euros. This has stemmed from a cartel that was uncovered by a whistle blower involving several major truck manufacturers.
Companies who bought heavy to medium duty trucks may be able to claim damages due to the truck cartel being investigated for breaches of the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002.
Due to the truck companies involved being international and supplying to the EU, the companies also reportedly breached The Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union, thus breaching EU law.
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Tullett Prebon and ICAP merger inquiry
In June, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that the anticipated acquisition of ICAP PLC by Tullett Prebon of the voice/hybrid broking business may result in a substantial lessening of competition.
The CMA said it would be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless an acceptable undertaking was offered by Tullet Prebon.
The two parties, Tullet and ICAP, both overlap in the supply of wholesale intermediary services, mainly in voice/hybrid broking services to institutions that trade financially, and commodity instruments over the counter as well as in exchange based markets.
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