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EU to Sanction Germany on Banned Refrigerant
The European Union is preparing to begin proceedings against Germany for allowing Daimler AG to continue using a banned air-conditioning refrigerant, according to Handelsblatt.
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The European Union is preparing to begin proceedings against Germany for allowing Daimler AG to continue using a banned air-conditioning refrigerant, according to Handelsblatt. The German newspaper cites European Commission sources.
Under EU rules, member nations are responsible for enforcing its rules within their borders.
The EU required all carmakers in the region to halt the use of R134a refrigerant in January 2013 and switch to a much "greener" fluid called HFO-1234yf.
The new refrigerant has been extensively tested by several labs. But shortly before the mandate began, Daimler said its own tests indicated that 1234yf could be a fire and safety hazard. Critics claimed the company's evaluation was not realistic.
Subsequent tests by others, including SAE International, endorsed the new refrigerant as safe. But Daimler said it would continue to use R134a until it can develop a carbon dioxide-based air-conditioning system by about the end of 2017.
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