EU Vows to Enforce Refrigerant Rule

The European Commission says Daimler AG would be barred from selling vehicles in the EU that fail to comply with the new "green" refrigerant rule that took effect on Jan. 1.

Daimler has declared it will continue to use the industry's previous standard fluid, R134a, in its air-conditioning systems because of safety concerns over the only replacement material currently available.

Earlier this month Daimler and the Germany government asked that the regulation be temporarily suspended. But the EC insists an extension is not possible.

The commission cannot directly impose fines on carmakers. But the EC warns it would seek to impose daily fines on Germany or any member nation that doesn't enforce the directive.

Regulators have been reluctant to change the rule because the new HFO-1234yf fluid has successfully passed numerous independent evaluations over the past three years, including tests by 13 carmakers. The new refrigerant sharply reduces emissions of greenhouse gases.

Daimler announced last autumn that its tests showed the new 1234yf refrigerant could ignite in a crash and form poisonous fumes. The liquid was co-developed by DuPont and Honeywell, who insist the material is safe.