Toyota Returns to Use of Banned Refrigerant in Europe

Toyota Motor Corp.'s German unit says it has temporarily dropped the "greener" automotive refrigerant required in Europe and switched back to the previous fluid because of debate over the safety of the new material.

The new refrigerant, R1234yf, has been required since January by a European Union directive. The chemical has a global warming potential rating of 4 compared with 1,430 for R134a, the previous industry standard material.

Daimler AG refused to switch, citing its own tests that show R1234yf released in a crash could catch fire and form poisonous fumes. Multiple tests by others have declared the refrigerant safe, including an analysis by SAE International that described Daimler's test conditions as "unrealistic."

Toyota's own tests last year concluded that R1234yf is safe. But the company cites consumer uncertainty about the fluid in explaining its switch back to R134a pending a "clear consensus" in the European market. Toyota's swap affects the company's GT86 sports car, Lexus GS large sedan and Prius hybrid.

The EU has threatened to sanction Germany for failing to enforce the refrigerant directive at Daimler. Last month France began refusing to register the company's Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class, CLA and SL cars that use the older refrigerant. A French administrative court says it will rule on Tuesday on Daimler's request to suspend the ban.