Mercedes Drops Plans to Bring 2017 Diesel Models to US
Mercedes has canceled plans to bring diesels to the U.S. for the 2017 model year, but the German automaker hasn’t decided whether it will exit the U.S. diesel market entirely.
Daimler AG confirmed to Automotive News it has dropped plans to seek U.S. approval to sell 2017 Mercedes-Benz diesel models. The company is currently under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and a prosecutor in Stuttgart, Germany, into possible emissions tampering on Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. Last month, the automaker said the investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls.
SEE ALSO: Dieselgate’s Next Victim Could be Mercedes
Mercedes could still opt to seek 2017 certification at a later date, but diesel vehicles in the U.S. last year accounted for less than one percent of sales, so it’s unlikely Mercedes will move forward.
As a result of Volkswagen’s massive Dieselgate scandal, other automakers are questioning whether they want to continue selling diesel vehicles in the U.S.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I have owned two MB diesels ('81 300D and '93 250TD) both are still running around town and look like new. I currently own a '14 Porsche Cayenne diesel. It is easily the most competent road vehicle I have ever driven. Smooth, quiet, quicker than stink, and gets a very reliable 30 MPG on the highway (about 25 around town). Check the specs. I've started it cold in my garage and there is no diesel smell even, much less any smoke. Porsche and Bosch is about to pay me a lot of $$ for some reason. The USA is missing the boat on the efficiency of the modern turbo-charged diesel. Thank you EPA. I'll just keep my diesel as long as it runs.
I have been driving and working on MB diesels since 1974, picked up 2 in Germany under the European delivery program, one was for use at the 1976 winter Olympics in Innsbruck. We are always so far behind in this country, they are pushing electric cars, which are coal and natural gas cars with less than 40% efficiency in making electricity. I find it interesting how the Texas senator who was asking the CEO from how could they betray and lie to the American public, which is what the government does on a daily basis. I hate hypocrits.