CRIME & LAW

Multistate Settlement Forces Mercedes to Pay Emissions Damages

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 73%

Right 27%

Sources: 11

60-Second Summary

MADISON, Wis. Attorney generals from 50 states announced this week that Mercedes‑Benz USA and Mercedes‑Benz Group AG agreed to a $149,673,750 settlement resolving allegations they installed undisclosed emissions defeat devices in diesel vehicles sold between 2008 and 2016. States will receive $120 million immediately, with $29,673,750 suspended pending consumer relief implementation; companies must provide extended warranties and potential $2,000 payments per eligible vehicle. The agreement requires reporting, practice reforms, and notices to affected owners and remains subject to court approval in some jurisdictions. Several states identified allocations and vehicle counts as part of the settlement. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 11 original reports from Urban Milwaukee, WKBN, KTAR News, https://www.wsaw.com, KOIN 6 Portland, Yahoo, KSN-TV, Post and Courier, https://www.wbrc.com, KLRT - FOX16.com and Fox2Now.

Timeline of Events

2008–2016: Mercedes sold diesel cars and vans allegedly equipped with defeat devices.
2020: Daimler and Mercedes previously faced large settlements related to emissions issues.
State attorneys general investigated and compiled vehicle counts and claims of deceptive practices.
Dec. 22, 2023: A coalition of 50 attorneys general announced a $149,673,750 settlement with Mercedes-Benz and Daimler.
Post-announcement actions include notices to owners, reporting requirements, consumer relief planning, and pending court approvals.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

State governments will receive immediate settlement payments and allocations for environmental claims, and eligible vehicle owners may receive extended warranties, $2,000 payments per eligible vehicle, and other consumer relief as part of the settlement terms.

Who Impacted

Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Group AG face financial penalties, reputational damage, and obligations to alter practices after allegations that undisclosed defeat devices caused excess emissions in diesel vehicles.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... The settlement requires Mercedes to pay about $149.7 million, provide extended warranties and potential $2,000 payments, and submit to reporting and practice reforms after allegations that 211,000 diesel vehicles from 2008–2016 used undisclosed defeat devices exceeding NOx limits. States identified specific allocations and owners.

Media Bias