Mercedes-Benz to Pay US$608 Million to Settle Emissions Manipulation Case in the U.S.

(Stuttgart/Washington, 23rd) Attorneys general from all 50 U.S. states have jointly accused Mercedes-Benz of manipulating nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions data in its diesel vehicles. According to reports, Daimler AG—the parent company of Mercedes-Benz in the U.S.—agreed on Monday (22nd, local time) to pay US$149.6 million (about RM608 million) to settle the case.

U.S. media cited prosecutors as alleging that between 2008 and 2016, Mercedes-Benz installed specialised software in more than 211,000 diesel vehicles. The software allegedly enabled cars to pass emissions tests by meeting regulatory limits during testing, while emitting significantly higher NOx levels once delivered to customers—helping the vehicles achieve the performance and fuel economy promoted by the company.

Prosecutors also argued that Mercedes-Benz marketed an “environmentally friendly” image while failing to disclose the existence of the software to state authorities and the public. Mercedes-Benz said the settlement was intended to resolve all U.S. litigation related to diesel emissions, while maintaining that the allegations are without merit.