June 12 Reuters Shares in European car manufacturers dropped on Wednesday, led by declines in major brands such as Volkswagen and BMW, ahead of possible lawsuits in Britain over emissions tests that could cost companies over 7.5 billion.

Lawyers for the claimants, owners of diesel vehicles, told London39;s High Court on Tuesday some of the world39;s biggest carmakers are facing 1.5 million lawsuits in Britain.

The claims highlight the ongoing fallout for automakers from a scandal that erupted in 2015 when Volkswagen admitted to using defeat devices to change diesel vehicles39; emissions levels during testing.

On Tuesday, spokespeople for Mercedes Benz and U.S. carmaker Ford said they saw no merit in the claims.

The STOXX carmakers index was last down 0.24, having fallen as much as 1 earlier. Volkswagen and BMW, down 0.60.7, are among the worst performers of Germany39;s blue chip index. Luxury German manufacturer Porsche Holding was down over 5 as it traded exdividend.

1 0.7848 pounds

Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk; Editing by Amanda Cooper and Louise Heavens

Source Reuters