Mercedes-Benz is insisting its vehicles comply with the Directive on Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) coolant, adding the current explosive row was aiding French automakers that are battling against a poor European sales backdrop.
The German manufacturer’s comments come after a meeting of all 28 European Union (EU) road safety authorities yesterday (17 July) in Brussels to discuss the French blockade of Mercedes A, B and CLA models in a row that has now risen to inter-government levels.
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The Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles met in the Belgian capital to thrash out the contentious use by Mercedes of the r134a refrigerant instead of the 1234yf variant.
France is refusing to register the A, B and CLA models in a dispute that has now dragged in the German Federal government as it looks to broker a way through the stalemate.
The Technical Committee said Member States acknowledged vehicles which they said did not conform with EU law should be subject to “corrective measures” including withdrawal, as is the case with France’s argument with Germany.
However, Mercedes robustly maintains its cars using r134a do comply with the relevant regulations.
“The only country that has generated conformity so far is Germany,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesman told just-auto. “We know the Federal Government of Germany is in discussion with the European Commission and we trust European law will come into effect as we have a valid type approval. We are in full conformity.
“We are not at the table negotiating – that is between governments. We will supply the EU with information – we welcome these talks because we want a solution to this.”
Mercedes’ strong stand appears to pit it full square nonetheless against the Technical Committee, which said there was “a general consensus” national authorities and vehicle manufacturers “will have to find effective solutions to ensure the safety of European citizens” in the EU legal framework.
And in recognition the row had the potential to hurt sales – as well as help French automakers – Mercedes expressed frustration at the commercial impact the spat was having as France continues it blocking stance.
“It is more a disappointment for our French sales colleagues that we not in position to continue this success,” said the Mercedes spokesman.
“And our French automotive competitors are also benefiting from this. We are disappointed [but] we are keeping our customers mobile.”
