Mercedes is to recall millions of diesel cars over harmful emissions writes Geraldine Herbert
The numbers?
Mercedes-Benz is to recall more than 3 million diesel cars in Europe.
What is the background to this recall?
The German authorities has put all diesel engines under close scrutiny since DieselGate in September 2015 and as part of that there has been an investigation into Mercedes and possible manipulation of emission data. In the US Daimler, their parent company remains under investigation.
Why the recall?
The recall aims to reduce NOx emissions of their vehicles with a software update and effects all diesel cars sold in the last 6 years. Affected models will receive a software patch which will be installed free of charge. The patch is likely to cost Mercedes around 220 million euros.
Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of the board of management of Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “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”
How many cars in Ireland will be affected?
In Ireland Mercedes has sold over 13,000 cars since 2012 excluding this year and about 80% of those are diesel therefore potentially 10,000 cars could be affected but at this stage we don’t know exactly if all diesel engines are to be recalled are will it only be certain engines.
What should Mercedes owners of diesel cars do?
The recall process will take time so concerned owners should sit tight for the moment. Mercedes will get a list of the chassis numbers supplied to the Irish car market and owners are then contacted through the National Vehicle Registry. In the next few months owners will receive a letter asking them to go to their local dealers and recalled models will receive a software patch which will be installed free of charge.
Another blow for diesel?
Diesel emissions have come under scrutiny since Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 to fitting its cars with a defeat device that was activated when undergoing environmental tests. Last April a UK government report published showed diesel cars sold in the UK emit an average of six times more NOx ( an air pollutant that harms health) than the legal limit used in official tests.
This move by Mercedes represents another blow for the public perception of diesel.
Geraldine Herbert
21st July, 2017
