Mercedes-Benz Ordered By German Court To Pay Fines
Giancarlo Perlas October 19, 2023In a recent development, a Stuttgart court has dealt a severe blow to German automaker Mercedes-Benz, ruling in favor of damages related to the use of cheat devices in its diesel cars to trick emission readings. The decision of the Stuttgart court was earlier affirmed by the higher regional court.
The Stuttgart Court Ruling
The latest developments came from Reuters today. So far, we don’t know the specifics of the ruling yet as well as the penalty imposed by the court to the three-pointed star marque.
However, as a recap, the accusations revolve around the issue that the luxury car manufacturer installed cheat devices or software in its cars. These are designed to manipulate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions readings during regulatory tests.
The allegations have been refuted by Mercedes-Benz, with the company vehemently claiming that the charges are baseless and without merit. As a result, the company has mounted a strong defense against the complainants.
A Glimpse into “Dieselgate”
The lawsuit came just after the Dieselgate Scandal perpetuated by Volkswagen in 2015. During that time, the German automaker admitted to using devices to manipulate emission readings, leading to significant repercussions.
The scandal resulted in Volkswagen paying fines and settlements amounting to over 32 billion euros. Moreover, it triggered more stringent regulations surrounding emissions testing, particularly in key markets like North America and Europe.
The incident eventually led Mercedes-Benz to discontinue several diesel models from its lineup in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes-Benz has been striving relentlessly to distance itself from its own version of “Dieselgate.” However, despite their efforts, the company has been hit with substantial fines and settlements over the years due to the alleged use of emission-altering software.
This recent ruling from the German court further underscores the challenges Mercedes-Benz faces in clearing its name and resolving the legal battles stemming from the emissions scandal.
