Mercedes Parent Forced to Recall 238,000 Diesel Cars Over Deceptive Software

German regulators said Daimler installed 'defeat devices' to trick emission tests

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler is recalling nearly a quarter of a million diesel vehicles after German regulators accused the company of installing deceptive software designed to trick emission tests.

The so-called “defeat device,” which keeps emissions low just long enough to gain government certification, is the same tactic that spurred Volkswagen’s blockbuster emissions scandal in late 2015. Since then, several automakers have used similar tricks—most recently, Porsche pulled 60,000 cars in May and BMW recalled 12,000 in February—but no company has incurred heavy fines or charges since Volkswagen’s

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in