German Prosecutors Go On Witch Hunt And Raid Various Mercedes-Benz Offices

German prosecutors searched Daimler sites on Tuesday as part of a fraud probe related to false advertising and the possible manipulation of exhaust gas after-treatment in diesel cars.

The Stuttgart public prosecutor's office said 23 prosecutors and about 230 staff, including police and state criminal authorities, were involved in searching 11 sites in the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Berlin, Lower Saxony and Saxony. The staff were on the lookout for data files and evidence, it said.

Daimler said it was cooperating with authorities.

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TheSteve - 5/23/2017 3:58:59 PM

+2 Boost

Just as an FYI, authorities have already found that Mercedes was gaming the system with respect to their diesel emissions, although when MB did it, the methods they employed did not conform to the legal definition of a "cheat device" at that time.

That's why Mercedes is currently in hot water with authorities. That's why Mercedes' new 2017 submissions for diesel certification have failed (authorities have expanded the legal definition of what constitutes a "cheat device"). That's why Mercedes has withdrawn all their diesel offerings from the North American market. That's why this is not a "witch hunt." It's an emissions fraud investigation.

Re: "Daimler said it was cooperating with authorities." -- Please recall when Dieselgate blew its lid in 2015, the Volkswagen PR machine asserted time and again that they are "cooperating with authorities." Meanwhile, authorities reported they were stonewalled by VW at every turn. When pressed, VW admitted to withholding information from authorities, citing German laws as their excuse. They still called this "fully cooperating with authorities."

Stay tuned for more excrement hitting the turbine.

KoruKinshi - 5/23/2017 5:53:56 PM

+3 Boost

Pfft, you can take my diesel Mercedes from my cold, dead hands. I'll never part with my Bluetec. Best SUV I've had with awesome power & mileage for the size. I'll never go back to gas SUVs for as long as I can.

mre30 - 5/23/2017 6:51:55 PM

+1 Boost

I love my GL350 Bluetec also and echo those sentiments of affection...but for a $20,000 cash settlement and a new GLS450 I'll let MB-USA take it back.

TheSteve - 5/23/2017 7:17:51 PM

+3 Boost

KoruKinshi: I'm driving a 2015 Audi Q5 3.0 (Dieselgate Edition). I love that engine. Nearly 52 MPG (US, real) on my best tank. Like you, I'm sold on diesel. I just wish the NOx number were better, and that VW/Audi Group (VAG) had not engaged in fraudulent practices. But LOVE that engine!

PUGPROUD - 5/23/2017 7:30:43 PM

0 Boost

Governments have found a new honey pot to milk !

MDarringer - 5/23/2017 10:29:15 PM

-1 Boost

Bingo!