‘We will hold them accountable’: Utah and other states reach settlement with Mercedes-Benz over deceptive practices

Utah is set to receive $535,654 from a $149.6 million multi-state settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA LLC and Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Daimler AG) following a lawsuit alleging the sale of over 200,000 diesel vehicles with illegal emissions devices between 2008 and 2016. The lawsuit claimed these vehicles used software to falsely pass emissions tests while exceeding legal limits for nitrogen oxides emissions during normal operation, despite being advertised as “environmentally friendly.” Mercedes-Benz reportedly used these “defeat devices” to achieve performance and fuel efficiency goals that were unattainable while complying with emissions standards, and attempted to conceal them from regulators.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown stated that “Mercedes-Benz undermined fair competition by installing illegal emissions defeat devices,” emphasizing the state’s commitment to fair market practices and the rule of law. Margaret Woolley Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, added that deceptive claims “will not be tolerated in Utah” and that the state will “hold them accountable.”

In addition to the $120 million paid to the states, Mercedes-Benz will pay $2000 to owners of the approximately 39,565 impacted vehicles that have not yet been repaired or removed from the road. Approximately 1,857 vehicles sold or registered in Utah were affected by the deceptive practices.

(Source：Salt Lake City)