Mercedes-Benz has been fined JPY1.23bn (US$8.3m) by Japan's consumer affairs agency for misrepresenting safety features in some SUVs, according to local reports.

The agency said the fine, equivalent to 3% of the value of the products sold, is the largest administrative sanction it has imposed so far under a law against “unjustifiable premiums and misleading representations”.

Mercedes-Benz Japan had been warned by the agency in 2021 against providing misleading information to its customers.

In this latest development, the agency claimed catalogues made it appear some GLA and GLB models were fitted as standard with safety systems which were in fact only offered as optional extras.

Mercedes-Benz Japan, in a statement on its official website, again apologised for the misrepresentation and vowed to strengthen its legal compliance in future marketing materials.