Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions: findings in South Korea

There has been a finding reportedly made in South Korea in relation to Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions being “rigged”, the media is reporting.

Thousands of vehicles are said to be affected for models of the two brands. Fines could now be issued, and mandatory recalls may also be initiated.

Although this is a story from another continent, it serves as an important reminder as to how the emissions issues are far from over. A great deal of work still needs to be done to get to the bottom of the allegations that dozens of carmakers are facing.

About the Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions “rigging”

According to Business Korea, investigations have reportedly revealed that Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions have been “rigged”, with four Mercedes models and two Stellantis models reportedly found to have “illegally manipulated emissions”.

The models said to be affected have been named as the Mercedes CLS 350d 4matic, E350d, E350d 4matic, and the G350d. The Stellanits models have been named as the Fiat Freemont and the Jeep Cherokee.

According to the media outlet, this could account for over 4,750 vehicles sold in South Korea, and regulators and the government are set to be taking the matters further.

Our view on the story

The Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions “rigging” issues is yet another story that is one of many from around the world where governments and regulators are taking action against vehicle manufacturers. Although this is not in relation to where we operate for emissions litigations here in England and Wales, these kinds of stories are, nevertheless, ones to carefully consider.

What they serve to show and remind us is that there is still a great deal more that needs to be done when it comes to following through on investigations into carmakers concerning emissions irregularities. Dozens of manufacturers are now facing an array of serious allegations, and we are looking to get to the bottom of them all as part of our ongoing emissions compensation group actions.

As you may well already know, carmakers are strenuously denying that they have done anything wrong. Some stand accused of using technology and software that could amount to a “defeat device” to manipulate vehicles into being able to pass emissions testing. Some are accused of exploiting legal loopholes that can allow emissions-reducing technology to reduce or disengage to achieve the same outcome. Some are accused of using the “thermal windows” options to do it as well.

Ultimately, much more work needs to be done to differentiate the factors and to work out whether the law is being broken or not. In the court case against VW in England and Wales, a determination was made that the software hidden in vehicles did amount to an unlawful defeat device. As the compensation litigations press on against carmakers, we may see similar findings and similar stories such as the Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exhaust gas emissions one.

Are you affected by emissions issues?

If you have been affected by any of the emissions issues here in England and Wales, we may be able to help you. If you own or lease, or previously owned or leased, a potentially affected vehicle, we may be able to represent you for a compensation case. You may be eligible to join our actions on a No Win, No Fee basis.

You can get started and check your eligibility here now.

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