A Mercedes-Benz emissions settlement has been granted preliminary approval in a class action lawsuit in the USA. The agreement between Mercedes-Benz and law firms has reportedly been reached following consumer claims against the carmaker, which alleged that diesel vehicles had been fitted with systems that may have manipulated emissions. This could then allegedly allow them to produce amounts of Nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases that exceeded the legal limits.
The claim in the US case mirror allegations against Mercedes and its parent company Daimler which span across the globe, with millions of vehicles suspected of emissions irregularities. Many accusations against Mercedes have their origins in the Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal from 2015, in which it emerged that the well-known manufacturer had been cheating emissions tests by means of illegal software known as defeat devices.
As pioneers of emissions litigation, we initiated the first High Court proceedings against Volkswagen in 2016 in England and Wales and have since been fighting to ensure that car owners affected by emissions scandals can recover the compensation they deserve. We believe that the Mercedes settlement in America bodes well for our own action against the company, so affected victims can sign up today if they want to join the fight for justice. They deny any wrongdoing here still, and claims are at a much earlier stage as investigations into allegations continue.
The US case and recent Mercedes-Benz emissions settlement
While the Mercedes-Benz emissions settlement has yet to be fully concluded, the preliminary approval would suggest that compensation pay-outs are on the horizon.
The claims in the US class action have been brought on the basis that Mercedes-Benz allegedly engineered its diesel vehicles in a way that allowed them to emit more NOx than they should have been doing. The claimants also alleged that the manufacturer wilfully misled customers regarding the models that were reportedly said to be more environmentally friendly.
Despite continuing to deny all wrongdoing and liability, Mercedes-Benz is understood to have reached an agreement with law firms whereby claims could be settled. To be able to take part in the potential compensation pay-out, affected US car owners or lessees must have an “Approved Emissions Modification” in their vehicles, which is understood to be an accepted repair or fix given to Mercedes vehicles that have been associated with excessive emissions output.
Our Mercedes emissions claims
In our Mercedes group action, the eligibility criteria may be different to those established in the US Mercedes-Benz emissions settlement agreement. We are still investigating the allegations against Mercedes, and the carmaker continues to deny all wrongdoing, but we believe that those whose vehicles have been recalled for emissions updates could be eligible to claim compensation.
However, if you are concerned that your vehicle may also have been affected, do not hesitate to contact us for further advice or check your eligibility via our online form.
Make your compensation claim
Eligible claimants can sign up today to start an emissions claim in any of our group actions. We are bringing claims against a number of well-known manufacturers, including Renault and Nissan, Fiat, Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche and more. You can contact us to find out whether your vehicle may have been affected today.
We aim to also reach a Mercedes-Benz emissions settlement in our case against the carmaker, so join the fight for justice if you wish to claim the compensation you deserve.
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