Brussels, 20 December 2024
Today, following a dialogue with the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, the car manufacturer Stellantis has committed to extending compensation measures to the entire European Union and the European Economic Area for victims of software problems related to AdBlue tanks in diesel vehicles manufactured by Stellantis between January 2014 and August 2020. This problem has led to costly repairs for hundreds of thousands of drivers of Stellantis brands, such as Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Opel.
The CPC Network will now actively monitor how Stellantis implements its commitments. If Stellantis does not do so within the agreed timeframe, national consumer protection authorities may decide to take measures to ensure compliance.
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said:
Consumers deserve adequate compensation for the damage they have suffered, wherever they are in the EU. I welcome the positive conclusion of our joint dialogue with Stellantis, which will help affected users to obtain adequate redress. This is another example of the concrete benefits of our joint cooperation, in the field of consumer policies and beyond. By working together, we can achieve better results for consumers across the EU. As Commissioner for Consumer Protection, I will work proactively to protect the interests of our 450 million consumers in the EU.
In July 2023, following alerts issued by consumer associations in Italy and Spain, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) asked the CPC Network to open an EU-wide investigation. In September 2023, the Italian competition authority (AGCM) investigated this issue and obtained from Stellantis a series of compensation measures in favour of consumers in Italy. Following a dialogue with the Commission and the CPC Network, Stellantis has now committed to extending these measures to all Member States.
More information about this action and the CPC network is also available.