British MEP Chris Davies has demanded that there is a recall of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles fitted with an illegal air conditioning gas.
European rules came into force at the start of the year that require manufacturers to use a new gas called HFO1234yf, which is less polluting than the previous air-con coolant, R134a.
When it does, the company said, it releases dangerous hydrofluoride gas which can disable and kill even in very small quantities.
As a result, Mercedes-Benz, backed by the German authorities, has decided not to use the new coolant gas in its latest models, which includes the A-Class.
However, Liberal Democrat MEP Davies has asked the Commission to confirm whether Germany would be allowed to protect Mercedes-Benz and claims he has been told that the German government could now end up in court over the row.
“EU environment laws only work if they are fair to everyone and by letting Daimler off, Germany is being unfair to manufacturers from France to Spain to the Czech Republic,” said Davies.
“A fine for Daimler won’t be enough – there needs to be a recall of all the illegal cars.”
Whatever the outcome, any action by the Commission could have significant implications for Mercedes-Benz.
The company predicts sales of about 25,000 A-Class cars this year in the UK, of which around half will be to fleets.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
Patriot - 04/07/2013 21:45
Since when do non-qualified MEP's-and MP's-know about vehicle air-con system design? I notice Chris Davies has not produced any evidence to rebut M-B's claims concerning the flammability of HFO1234yf in the event of a pipe fracture. Any damn fool can criticise and the one's elected as MEP's often do.