Carmakers may face new wave of claims after EU's top court rules on engine device

The Austrian association says it has some 600 lawsuits pending in Germany

In a dispute stemming from the aftermath of the diesel scandal that hit Volkswagen, the European Court of Justice said there was no exemption for the use of software that changes pollutant gas emissions in cars based on the outside temperature. File photo

Volkswagen and other carmakers risk violating EU rules — while facing more consumer claims — after Europe's top court said the use of IT meant to protect car components from damage at certain temperatures could be illegal.

In a dispute stemming from the aftermath of the diesel scandal that hit the German car giant, the European Court of Justice said there was no exemption for the use of software that changes pollutant gas emissions in cars based on the outside temperature. The ruling opens the door to potential lawsuits for compensation over sales contracts for affected cars.