The law firm began investigating the class action in August, following reports that parent company Hino Motors Japan falsified emissions and fuel economy data — affecting at least 115,526 trucks sold since 2016.

In addition, the action represents all purchasers or lessees of affected Hino vehicles in Australia, which were the subject of misconduct in relation to the certification in Japan from as early as 2003.

Chairman of GMP Law Gerard Malouf said that compensatory damages are being claimed against both companies, with an additional claim for exemplary or punitive damages against the Japanese parent company.

“GMP Law will be aggressively litigating the Hino class action to call out big international companies like Hino and other car manufacturers that flagrantly take advantage of consumers worldwide, particularly honest Australians in this climate-conscious world,” he said.

“We are particularly outraged that Hino has contributed to climate change worldwide in such a purposeful and blatant manner for their own selfish financial gain.”

The misconduct has now been admitted by the companies in respect to numerous Hino vehicles.

GMP Law claims that the misconduct in relation to emissions and fuel economy of Hino vehicles has caused not only financial loss to consumers of these vehicles but also environmental damage and damage to human health through excess emissions.

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“We are prepared to run the case without cost until successfully resolved without a legal funder to achieve maximum justice and compensation as per our core cultural principles at GMP Law on behalf of thousands of Australian victims. Consequently, our class members will receive a much higher percentage of any verdict or settlement,” Mr Malouf added.

“Additionally, we are seeking punitive damages as a major component of the damages claim, with the overall amount expected to be hundreds of millions of dollars for both the published false fuel economy figures and highly noxious emissions purposely covered up by the defendants.”