Mercedes Pays $150M for Emissions Fraud

NEW YORK – Mercedes-Benz USA is shelling out a staggering $149,673,750 after a brutal, bipartisan investigation revealed years of systematic emissions cheating. New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of 50 attorneys general, exposed how the German automaker rigged hundreds of thousands of diesel vehicles with illegal software designed to game emissions tests and pump out excess pollution. The company will cough up over $13.5 million to New York alone, funds earmarked to fight the very air pollution they helped create.

The scheme, uncovered after a 2020 investigation sparked by similar federal findings, involved undisclosed software that masked the true level of toxic fumes spewing from Mercedes’ diesel engines. While passing government tests with flying colors, these vehicles were found to emit pollutants 30 to 40 times the legal limit during normal driving. It wasn’t just a technical glitch; it was a calculated deception to obtain emissions certifications under false pretenses. The OAG reviewed over 350,000 documents and grilled numerous witnesses to expose the truth.

“Mercedes promised New Yorkers clean, green cars, but instead sold vehicles that polluted our air and put public health at risk,” Attorney General James declared. “For nearly a decade, Mercedes misled regulators and consumers while its vehicles spewed toxic emissions into our communities. Today’s settlement holds Mercedes accountable, delivers millions of dollars to protect New York’s environment, and ensures that this company never again deceives the public about its emissions.” It’s a familiar tune – another giant auto manufacturer caught red-handed prioritizing profit over public health, echoing the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal of years past.

The company didn’t just bend the rules; they actively misled the public. Mercedes aggressively marketed these diesel vehicles as “clean” and “green,” boasting about “ultra-low emissions” and claiming they converted pollutants into “pure, earth-friendly nitrogen and water.” The reality? Between 2008 and 2017, over 200,000 of these rigged vehicles hit American roads, including over 19,000 registered right here in New York. A blatant case of false advertising designed to fleece environmentally conscious consumers.

But it’s not just about the money. The settlement mandates that Mercedes immediately hand over $120 million to the coalition states, with New York receiving $13,530,088. Eligible vehicle owners and lessees will also receive $2,000 payments to cover emissions repair costs. More importantly, Mercedes is forced to implement sweeping reforms and submit to strict oversight to prevent a repeat performance. This isn’t just a fine; it’s a restructuring of how they operate.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the settlement, stating it “not only ensures accountability for bad actors using illegal emissions-cheating devices, it also importantly delivers more than $13.5 million to New York to reduce harmful emissions and help eligible consumers pay for costly vehicle repairs.” This case serves as a stark warning: regulators are watching, and those who prioritize profit over the environment and public health will face consequences. The days of getting away with polluting our air for a quick buck are numbered.

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