By: Richard L. Smith
A coalition of all 50 state attorneys general has reached a $149.67 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Group AG over allegations that the companies violated consumer protection and environmental laws by installing undisclosed software designed to evade emissions standards.
The investigation, led in New Jersey by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Consumer Affairs, found that from 2008 through 2016 Mercedes sold more than 211,000 diesel vehicles nationwide equipped with software that altered emissions controls during testing while allowing higher pollution levels during normal driving.
In New Jersey, at least 15,297 model-year 2009–2016 vehicles with BlueTEC diesel technology were affected.
Under the settlement, Mercedes will pay $120 million to the states, with an additional $29.67 million suspended pending completion of a consumer relief program.
New Jersey will receive $11,066,162.
The agreement also requires Mercedes to fund emissions modifications on vehicles still on the road, provide extended warranties, and pay affected consumers $2,000 per vehicle, while complying with new reporting requirements and prohibitions against deceptive emissions marketing.