Mercedes-Benz vehicles fully comply with the national regulations in force at the time of vehicle registration. Current allegations refer to measurements performed by the Dutch Organisation for Applied Science Research (TNO) on a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI. The measurement results were discussed by representatives of Daimler AG with the TNO and were classified as plausible by the experts there.
Owing to various misinterpretations of the TNO report by parties, we would again point out that it is common that deviations occur in real driving conditions compared with the certified norm values. That is no reference to manipulation; they result primarily from conditions different to the legally-prescribed laboratory conditions, for example when ambient temperatures differ, the vehicle is operated under different loads or additional equipment such as air-conditioning or seat heaters is switched on. Furthermore, the exhaust gas-aftertreatment is controlled flexibly within the permissible limits, depending on the particular operating state, in order to ensure engine protection and safe operation of the vehicle. It is thus possible to meet the statutory requirement of ensuring full functionality of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system up to at least 160,000 kilometres. These facts were accepted and confirmed in full by the TNO.
For several years, Mercedes-Benz has fully and actively supported the early introduction of the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) and the measuring procedure for Real Driving Emissions (RDE). Both activities have the aim of converging norm and real values as far as possible in the future.
