South Korean owners of Mercedes-Benz’ EQE battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have filed a joint class action lawsuit against the German automaker and other related parties, alleging they falsely advertised the type of batteries installed in the EQE.
This follows a major fire in an apartment complex in the city of Incheon in August, which started in a Mercedes-Benz EQE and spread to more than 100 vehicles, which the plaintiffs claim caused them significant financial and emotional damages.
According to local reports, twenty four Mercedes-Benz EQE owners filed a joint lawsuit in the Seoul Central District Court alleging that “most of Mercedes-Benz EQE models that caught fire” were fitted with batteries made by China’s Farasis Energy Company, while being told the vehicles were equipped with batteries from CATL - China's leading battery manufacturer.
The attorney for the plaintiffs, Ha Jong-sun, said in a statement: "We have filed a claim for damages with the Seoul Central District Court against seven sales companies, including the German headquarters of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Han Sung Motor, as well as two leasing companies, including Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Korea."
The initial claim is for KRW10m (US$7,410) per plaintiff, which could increase by an additional KRW70m once the Fair Trade Commission announces the results of its investigation into false advertising by Mercedes-Benz.
Ha Jong-sun further clarified: “The damages each plaintiff suffered due to this false advertisement amounts to KRW70m, which is the cost to replace the battery pack installed in the vehicles. Mercedes-Benz was aware of these defects, or at least became definitively aware of them, following the Incheon parking lot fire - yet failed to conduct a recall and concealed the defects.”
Since the incident, domestic vehicle manufacturers and overseas brands in South Korea have disclosed more information about the batteries used in their BEVs, including supplier names, to increase transparency and help alleviate growing concern over battery safety.
