Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW Dragged in Animal Cruelty Controversy
Giancarlo Perlas January 29, 2018
A Netflix documentary alleged that German luxury car makers, including Mercedes-Benz, used monkeys to test the effects of their diesel engines in relation to health. The three-pointed star marque recently released a statement to distance themselves from the controversy.
The show Dirty Money revealed that monkeys were placed in gas chambers while watching cartoons as diesel fumes were being directed to their enclosure through a series of tubes. This happened in 2014 to prove that diesel engines were clean. Among the luxury car marker dragged on the issue were rivals Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes.
The study was conducted by the European Research Association for the Environment and Health in the Transport Sector (EUGT) through the funding of the mentioned firms. The source claimed that around $700,000 was given by the automakers to the not-for-profit organization to conduct such test.
Daimler just released a statement condemning any acts of animal cruelty. The company said they were appalled by the extent of the study and its implementation. Then they clarified that they did not have any influence on the study’s design and they are currently investigating the matter.
The company distanced itself from EUGT by saying that their approach contradicted their values and ethical principles. Also, they pointed out that EUGT was accompanied by a research advisory committee made up of scientists from renowned universities and research institutes.
Volkswagen voiced out the same concern connected to the animal cruelty controversy. They have apologized for the inappropriate scientific methods done by the EUGT. The company reminded too that EUGT has been in liquidation since June 30, 2017.
