Published

Report: Daimler Employees Targeted in Diesel Emission Probe

Prosecutors in Stuttgart, Germany, are investigating unspecified Daimler AG employees about allegations that the carmaker may have rigged its diesels to evade emission standards, a source tells Bloomberg News.
#legal

Share

Prosecutors in Stuttgart, Germany, are investigating unspecified Daimler AG employees about allegations that the carmaker may have rigged its diesels to evade emission standards, a source tells Bloomberg News.

The report follows a Die Zeit article that says a Daimler employee told Stuttgart officials the carmaker may have modified its diesels to cheat on emission tests.

A spokesman for the prosecutors tells Bloomberg that Daimler employees are being scrutinized about possible fraud and false advertising. Daimler says it is not aware of any such investigation.

Last April Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz unit agreed to recall 247,000 diesels and adjust an electronic device that can switch off emission controls temporarily to avoid engine damage. Such devices are permitted by European emission laws, but critics say some carmakers have interpreted the allowance too broadly.

Daimler’s recall was part of a broader initiative last year that involved 630,000 diesels sold throughout Europe by German carmakers Audi, Opel, Porsche, Mercedes and Volkswagen.

RELATED CONTENT

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions