Mercedes throws in the hat – no diesels for USA

Daimler AG confirmed to Automotive News it has dropped plans to seek U.S. approval to sell 2017 Mercedes-Benz diesel models. The company is currently under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and a prosecutor in Stuttgart, Germany, into possible emissions tampering on Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. Last month, the automaker said the investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls.

Mercedes could still opt to seek 2017 certification at a later date, but diesel vehicles in the U.S. last year accounted for less than one percent of sales, so it’s unlikely Mercedes will move forward.

As a result of Volkswagen’s massive Dieselgate scandal, other automakers are questioning whether they want to continue selling diesel vehicles in the U.S.