New Mercedes-Benz Cars to be Banned in UK over Green AC Gas Issue

Ryan Joseph Ramos March 23, 2013

It looks like Mercedes-Benz won’t get away with not using the ‘green’ coolant decreed by the EU. Thousands of new cars will be banned from being sold in Britain because they are now declared illegal by the EU, as the German automaker continues to be engaged in a dispute over the use of a new air-conditioning gas required by the EU–a gas that Mercedes-Benz has found to be very flammable.

According to Mercedes, this new coolant enforced by the EU catches fire and explodes on impact, thus making it a safety hazard for motorists. Regardless, the EU remained adamant and gave reminders that automakers who refused to use the aforementioned gas will be banned from selling their automobile all over the continent.

In addition, UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency and DVLA will be suspending new registration of cars found in violation of those regulations. According to reports, the Department of Transportation is keeping tabs on the matter.

The ban could be a serious blow to Mercedes-Benz, as the brand had been the leading luxury brand in the UK as far as new vehicle registrations are considered. With 3,329 registrations in February this year, the figures are up from last year.

Affected models will be the new A-Class, B-Class, and SL vehicles.