The US Department of Justice has discontinued the criminal investigation against Mercedes-Benz for exhaust gas manipulations. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz AG confirmed to SPIEGEL on Saturday that no charges will be brought against the company. This marks the end of an eight-year period of uncertainty for the automaker, which began in the wake of the diesel scandal.

The Investigations Began in 2016 After the Department of Justice Had Asked Mercedes-Benz to Review the Certification Process for Exhaust Emissions in the USA. This Occurred Against the Backdrop of Similar Accusations Against Volkswagen, Which Had Led to a Major Scandal in 2015. Volkswagen Had Admitted to Manipulating Emission Values, Resulting in Settlements Worth Billions.

Following the request by the Department of Justice, Mercedes-Benz has conducted an extensive internal investigation, evaluating 1.7 million documents and submitting over 300,000 records to US authorities. The company's cooperative stance and transparent clarification of the allegations could have contributed to the decision by US authorities to cease the investigations.

Renata Jungo Brüngger, Board Member for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz, explained that the termination of the investigations represents an important step towards legal certainty in connection with the diesel procedures. She emphasized the company's extensive efforts to clarify all allegations and the

Cooperation with the authorities. Through these measures, Mercedes-Benz not only avoided immense costs but also the damage to its image that would have been associated with extensive litigation.

The cessation of investigations significantly relieves Mercedes-Benz and allows for a focus on future corporate goals without the shadow of legal uncertainties. In September 2020, the car manufacturer had already reached a civil settlement, thereby averting a class-action lawsuit. The current development strengthens confidence in the legal compliance of Mercedes-Benz's corporate governance and marks a significant milestone in overcoming the diesel scandal.