Daimler in talks with German authorities over diesel issues

Daimler is in discussion with German authorities over potential emissions irregularities in Mercedes-Benz cars, but hasn’t received formal notice from regulators mandating a recall of vehicles.

The maker of Mercedes-Benz cars, which is under investigation in Germany over its diesel emissions practices, could be forced to fix more than 600,000 diesel cars due to illegal engine setups that lower emission controls, Spiegel magazine reported earlier Friday.

“We’re in a continuous exchange with the KBA and cooperate thoroughly with the authority,” the Stuttgart, Germany-based maker of Mercedes-Benz vehicles said Friday in an emailed statement. KBA is the acronym for Germany’s federal motor industry watchdog. The Spiegel report is “speculation,” it said.

_____

Read more:

The best deals this Ramadan for buying a new car

Porsche manager in custody over 'dieselgate' scandal

Ex-Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn charged in US over diesel scandal

VW warns over 2018 earnings as Germany mulls diesel ban

_____

Automakers across the globe have come under scrutiny in the wake of Volkswagen AG’s emissions-cheating scandal for as many as 11 million cars, which was uncovered by U.S. authorities in September 2015. Daimler, which is facing an ongoing investigation by German authorities, and other peers have been accused of practices that stretch official rules, resulting in excessive emissions on the road.

Daimler reiterated it was considering legal action against a KBA recall for the Mercedes-Benz Vito van 1.6-liter diesel Euro 6 model. The recall affects some 4,900 vehicles worldwide, including 1,300 in Germany.