Thursday, November 4th, 2021
Umwelthilfe sees new evidence
Daimler threatens again trouble in the diesel scandal
The diesel scandal has preoccupied Daimler for a long time. So far, according to the courts, the car manufacturer has not been able to prove any intent to deceive, which is why lawsuits end without a judgment. But now there may be new evidence provided by a vehicle software expert.
The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) sees new evidence of the involvement of the car maker Daimler in the diesel scandal. In a report, the automotive software expert Felix Domke, on behalf of the international law firm Milberg, documented “a total of eight previously unknown disconnection devices in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class with Euro 6 diesel”, announced the DUH. “With these so-called” defeat devices “, which are clearly illegal in the opinion of Umwelthilfe, the effective emission control is reduced by the built-in SCR catalytic converter.” As a result, nitrogen oxide emissions on the road would be well above the legally stipulated limit value.
A spokesman for Daimler, however, announced that the “parameterizations described” were already known. “From our point of view, in the interplay and overall context of the highly complex emissions control system, these are not to be assessed as impermissible shutdown devices.” Deutsche Umwelthilfe will present the report, further details and possible consequences this Friday at a press conference.
According to the DUH, Domke is a software expert for engine controls and has already worked as an expert for the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. “The disconnection devices found are activated in driving situations that are common on the road,” said Domke, according to the announcement. “Even with normal driving, at least one shutdown device almost always actively prevents the improvement of emissions – even if it is not necessary physically or for engine protection.” DUH Federal Managing Director Jürgen Resch accused Daimler of “maximizing profit at the expense of the environment and the health of city dwellers” with its Mercedes-Benz brand.
The wave of claims for damages by diesel owners against Daimler has already reached the Federal Court of Justice in several proceedings. So far none of them resulted in a verdict against the car manufacturer because the existence of a defeat device alone is not considered immoral damage. Evidence of deliberate intent to deceive must also be provided. The Milberg law firm, which represents plaintiffs against Daimler in Great Britain, sees the report as evidence that Daimler has cheated on customers and that they are entitled to compensation, as shareholder Glenn Philipps explained.