If you thought the infamous 2015 Dieselgate scandal has taken the backseat, think again. Mercedes-Benz, one of the German car manufacturers implicated in the diesel emissions scam, is still busy facing several actions from authorities.
In mid-2021, for example, the carmaker faced a class-action lawsuit filed by the VZBV or the Federation of German Consumer Organizations. The lawsuit alleged that Mercedes, though its parent company Daimler, lied and cheated by manipulating emissions tests for their SUV engines and diesel vehicles.
Filed against Daimler in Stuttgart’s Higher Regional Court, the lawsuit accused the German automaker of installing thermal-switching devices that automatically distort or adjust the vehicles’ emissions levels as emission-cleaning equipment is turned off in temperatures that were either too hot or too cold.
The defeat devices helped keep the value or level of exhaust gases within the required limits during lab tests. However, once the vehicles were driven in real-world road conditions, the emissions the vehicles emitted far exceeded safe and permissible values. Additionally, the KBA or the Federal Motor Transport Authority revealed that Daimler equipped their Mercedes-Benz vehicles with illegal exhaust technology.
Approximately 50,000 car owners are expected to receive compensation for emissions-related damages. The lawsuit specifically focused on owners who drive GLK and GLC SUV vehicles that used OM651 diesel engines.
In addition to the lawsuit in Germany, Daimler may also have to pay compensation to more owners as there were similar cases against them throughout Europe, including the UK. Despite insisting that there was no basis for the lawsuit against them, Daimler set aside approximately £1.36 billion (or €1.6 billion) for Mercedes diesel compensation claims.
Vehicle recalls
While Daimler has always maintained that they were prepared to fight against the VZBV’s allegations, Mercedes’ parent company has recalled thousands upon thousands of their vehicles over the years. In 2018, the manufacturer recalled around 280,000 cars in Germany and a total of 670,000 Mercedes-Benzes all over Europe.
The recall focused on several models, specifically the following:
- S-Class
- E-Class
- C-Class
- V-Class
- GLK
- GLC
- GL
- GLS
- GLE
- SLK
- ML
- SLC
- Sprinter vans
- Vito vans
That same year, Volkswagen faced a similar situation after VZBV filed a similar case against the carmaker. VW agreed to compensate affected customers, with each one receiving anywhere from £1,160(€1,350) to £5,372 (€6,250). The company had to pay off around 245,000 car owners who were scammed by defeat devices in the Dieselgate scandal.
The Dieselgate scandal
Mercedes-Benz (and the parent company, Daimler) is one of the manufacturers implicated in the diesel emissions scandal that first exploded in 2015 courtesy of Volkswagen. The scandal began with the US Environmental Agency revealing that VW installed illegal equipment in their diesel cars that were distributed and sold in the United States. The defeat devices were similar to the ones found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles about a year later.
Heightened levels of nitrogen oxides or NOx emissions, which are what the vehicles release, pose risks and multiple dangers to human health and the environment. Common health issues related to nitrogen oxides include breathing problems, aggravated asthma, lung-related illnesses, eye irritation, heart-related conditions, and other respiratory problems.
NOx emission is also a risky matter for individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Nitrogen oxides significantly contribute to air pollution as they aid in the formation of smog, acid rain, and ground level ozone. Additionally, they have a negative effect on the ecosystem, often resulting to injured leaves and a reduction in plant growth and yield.
The risks and negative effects of NOx emissions is one of the major reasons why authorities are encouraging affected car owners to file diesel compensation claims against their car manufacturer. Customers can work with solicitors in filing an individual or group lawsuit. A successful claim will see victims receive monetary reward, the value of which depends on the circumstances of their emissions case.
Mercedes emissions claim at present
News about the current status of Mercedes emissions claim cases is quite slow nowadays, but the latest bit of news that came out in November and December 2021 revealed several discoveries and milestones:
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles using Euro 6 diesel engines were found to have been equipped with eight defeat devices. The OM642 diesel engine in 2016 Mercedes E350d models were fitted with at least six defeat devices that were attached to the SCR catalytic converter that was built into the vehicle.
- In Canada, around 83,000 owners of diesel cars finally received a settlement for their class-action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz. The car manufacturer’s subsidiaries are required to pay the victims a total of US$243 million as part of the settlement. Aside from the financial compensation, car owners will also have their affected cars recalled for repair and installation of Canadian standard compliant engines with cleaner emissions.
How can I file my diesel claim?
As mentioned earlier, affected car owners are encouraged to file a diesel emissions compensation claim against their Mercedes if they believe they are eligible. It can be challenging and the process may be lengthy, but teaming up with a group of regulated, highly trained, and experienced solicitors will help make the process easier and more convenient.
Get in touch with the panel of emissions solicitors at ClaimExperts.co.uk if you want to increase your chances of winning your Mercedes diesel claim.
