What is the Mercedes Diesel Emissions Claim?

Mercede-Benz’s own dieselgate scandal appeared much later than the Volkswagen Group scandal of 2015. Mercedes misconduct first came to light in 2018, after the German Road Vehicle Authority, KBA, found that Mercedes was using illegal software to cheat emission tests.

This illegal software is now known as “defeat devices” and works by knowing when Mercedes vehicles are being tested for emissions and performing differently in the lab. The defeat device in question would turn on during these tests and limit emissions.

This means that the real-world emissions of the Mercedes vehicles are actually much higher than advertised.

In Germany, the KBA ordered Mercedes to recall all the affected vehicles in Germany. The German Courts then concluded that Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, had indeed been using a prohibited cheat device, which implicated a further 700,000 vehicles around the world.

Allegations then started to appear in the UK in May 2020. The emissions claim is relatively new in the UK, but estimates show that 160,000 UK residents have already shown an interest in claiming compensation. If you believe you have been affected, the panel of Mercedes emissions solicitors at Emissions.co.uk can help.

What Would My Mercedes Diesel Claim Relate To?

The Mercedes claim specifically is related to various parts of the deception by Mercedes. The car giant suppressed clean emissions technology and concealed the action of installing a defeat device from regulators and customers. This means that you, as a customer, were misled when choosing whether to purchase a Mercedes vehicle.

The reason for this lie was simple – monetary gain for Mercedes. This has led to more of the dangerous pollutant, NOx, being pumped into the UK. As a company that prides itself as an environmentally conscious business with a commitment to sustainability, we believe this is wrong.

The potential claim focuses on seeking compensation from Mercedes and Daimler for deceit, breach of consumer protection laws, breach of contract and breaches of the Competition Act. There will be a Group Litigation Order against Mercedes launched, similar to a Class Action Lawsuit in the US.

Is There A Class Action Lawsuit Against Mercedes-Benz?

There is a Class Action Lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz, but they are specifically American proceedings. In the UK, a similar kind of legal process is about to start, called a Group Litigation Order. This means your claim will be paired with thousands of other claims, so that the group collective can fight the legal battle as one, rather than your individual claim against Mercedes.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive For My Diesel Claim?

Because the claim is in its infancy, there is currently no guidance on the amount Mercedes owners can receive in compensation for an emissions claim. Our panel will keep clients updated in relation any rulings on compensation.

Having said this, in a similar case in the US, Mercedes has reportedly agreed to pay $2.2 billion to customers as part of a settlement deal, with each owner receiving thousands in compensation.

Mercedes customers who owned more than one eligible vehicle can also lodge multiple claims.

We can also look at the landmark Volkswagen payout. The average payout for the 91,000 claimants was just over £2,100. Read more about that emissions claim here. 

What Is Happening With The Mercedes Claim?

The Mercedes Diesel Emission claim is currently taking clients on as it prepares to launch full legal proceedings. Our panel have opened the claim up for eligible UK Mercedes owners, and are now gathering evidence.

You can join thousands of other Mercedes owners by filling out our eligibility form.

How Do I begin My Diesel Claim?

To register your interest in bringing a Mercedes dieselgate emissions claim against Mercedes all you have to do is check your eligibility on our free-to-use checker. Our panel will investigate your claim and tell you whether you are eligible for compensation.