Mercedes Offers Diesel Emissions-Reduction Fix For 3m Cars

Mercedes is offering a voluntary emissions fix for three million cars in an attempt to sidestep the kind of public relations hurt still being borne by Volkswagen over dieselgate.

With pressure building rapidly in the background in the turbulent wake of repeated emissions-cheating accusations and unfavourable studies in Europe and North America, Mercedes has apparently started sweating profusely and is trying to get ahead of any punishments with this £195 million scheme.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Mercedes-Benz Chairman of the Board of Management and owner of a truly excellent moustache, spoke as part of a media update from the company.

“The public debate about diesel engines is creating uncertainty – especially for our customers. We have therefore decided on additional measures to reassure drivers of diesel cars and to strengthen confidence in diesel technology.”

Officially this isn’t a recall, and nor is it something Mercedes has been ordered to do by any court. It is, however, almost certainly an attempt to mitigate any punishments that eventually come its way if it proves to be guilty of the same rule-breaking as the Volkswagen Group.

The fix consists of a new software update only. We also understand that the arrival of Mercedes’ all-new diesels has been accelerated in order to minimise the number of cars it may ultimately have to fix.

Via: Auto Express