Mercedes-Benz Cleared by U.S. DOJ in Diesel Emissions Probe

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed its investigation into Mercedes-Benz related to diesel emissions without filing any charges, the company confirmed on Thursday. The decision marks a significant step towards legal certainty for Mercedes-Benz in connection with various diesel proceedings.

The DOJ probe began in 2016, months after the Volkswagen "Dieselgate" scandal came to light, when the department requested Mercedes-Benz to review its emissions certification and admissions process. In 2020, Mercedes-Benz reached a $1.5 billion settlement with U.S. regulators to resolve allegations of emissions cheating, which involved undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices and defeat devices. The settlement included civil penalties, a nationwide recall, and a repair program.

Mercedes-Benz fully cooperated with the DOJ investigation, according to Renata Jungo Bruengger, the company's board member for integrity, governance and sustainability. "We are pleased that the U.S. authorities have closed their investigation and that we can now put this behind us," Bruengger stated. "The decision is a significant step towards legal certainty in connection with various diesel proceedings."

Why this matters: The DOJ's decision to close the probe without charges provides a measure of closure for Mercedes-Benz in the long-running diesel emissions scandal that has plagued the auto industry. It also highlights the importance of cooperation with regulators in resolving complex legal issues related to emissions compliance.

While the reasons for the DOJ ending its investigation without charges remain unclear, the outcome allows Mercedes-Benz to move forward after years of scrutiny over its diesel vehicles. The company had previously marketed its BlueTEC diesel models as "the world's cleanest and most advanced diesel" before facing allegations of emissions cheating. With the DOJ probe now concluded, Mercedes-Benz can focus on its future plans, which include a major shift towards electric vehicles in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• DOJ closed investigation into Mercedes-Benz diesel emissions without charges.
• Mercedes-Benz paid $1.5B settlement in 2020 over emissions cheating allegations.
• DOJ's decision provides legal certainty for Mercedes-Benz in diesel proceedings.
• Cooperation with regulators helped resolve complex legal issues on emissions.
• Mercedes-Benz can now focus on its shift towards electric vehicles.