Mercedes-Benz says it is moving “full throttle” towards developing its own CO2 air conditioning system as the row surrounding its use of r134a refrigerant shows no sign of abating.
The highly emotive issue has now seen the European Commission (EC) launch the first steps in a potential infringement procedure against Germany, with Berlin rapidly informing Brussels by reply it believes it adheres to climate emissions reductions.
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The automaker contends the alternative r1234yf coolant can be a fire hazard in certain circumstances, with manufacturer Honeywell, vigorously defending its properties, while the German Transport Ministry told just-auto it was “not wise in the view of safety to use something that obviously bears risk.”
However, at the same time as the long-running saga echos around the corridors of power, Mercedes is undertaking its own CO2-based air conditioning tests in order to meet a 2017 target for entry into service.
“We are at full throttle developing our CO2 air conditioning systems,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesman told just-auto from Germany. “We have our first prototype in testing since December. These are vehicles from three different model ranges – we will expand our fleet of prototypes step by step.
“We will do this in every type of climate zone this year, for example, northern Sweden and Death Valley.”
“In parallel, it is a process going on with the VDA and what they are doing is developing standardisation for specification components for CO2 air conditioning systems.”
The Mercedes spokesman added this process was currently being undertaken “with every German car manufacturer” as well as suppliers.
The standardisation results – conforming to the German equivalent of ISO – the DIN – Deutsches Institut for Normung – will be publicly available in March with expert comment invited on their release.
Models under test for Mercedes CO2-based air conditioning are the B, C and S class vehicles.
“Our view is our type approval for our vehicles is valid,” said the Mercedes spokesman. “We are still convinced this is on a stable, legal basis.
“We will support the Federal Government [of] Germany to make their statement. We wanted to use r1234yf initially, but due to our tests and due to the safety risks, we decided not to use it.
“Our new CO2 refrigerant is due by 2017 and of course we have to have it ready for serious production in 2016. It is a tough line, but it is our goal reach that timeline.”
German automotive association, VDA, president Matthias, told just-auto at the recent North American International Auto Show, the body was urging the EC to allow two forms of refrigerant for use in passenger cars.
