### Mercedes-Benz Settles Diesel Emissions Scandal with $149.6 Million Payment Mercedes-Benz has reached a significant settlement of **$149.6 million** to resolve allegations of using illegal software to manipulate diesel emissions tests from **2008 to 2016**. This settlement comes as a result of a multistate investigation led by a coalition of attorneys general from **48 U.S. states**, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, addressing the automaker's use of defeat devices that misled emissions testing protocols and contributed to excessive pollution levels [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mercedes-benz-agrees-pay-settle-multistate-emissions-allegations-rcna250600]. ### Breakdown of the Settlement and Its Implications 1. **Settlement Amount and Structure** - Mercedes-Benz will pay **$120 million** upfront, with an additional **$29.6 million** contingent on the completion of a consumer relief program [https://www.wtae.com/article/mercedes-emissions-settlement-pennsylvania/69843784]. - The settlement aims to compensate affected vehicle owners and lessees, with eligible individuals receiving **$2,000** payments for required emissions repairs [https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2025/12/23/mercedes-benz-settlement-united-states-diesel-emissions-scandal/87892381007]. 2. **Background of the Allegations** - Between **2008 and 2016**, Mercedes-Benz equipped over **211,000 diesel vehicles** with software that optimized emissions controls during testing but reduced them during normal operation, leading to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides [https://www.apnews.com/article/mercedesbenz-settlement-emissions-standards-50-states-0afb611bf01ee2e9a1f328bd42d95962]. - This manipulation not only violated environmental regulations but also misled consumers regarding the environmental performance of their vehicles [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/mercedes-benz-agrees-to-pay-149-6-million-to-settle-multistate-emissions-allegations-13738260.html]. 3. **Impact on the Automotive Industry** - The settlement effectively closes Mercedes-Benz's legal exposure related to the U.S. diesel emissions scandal, often referred to as "Dieselgate," which has affected several automakers [https://www.cbtnews.com/mercedes-benz-reaches-149-6m-settlement-with-u-s-states-over-diesel-emissions-claims]. - This case highlights the increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure on automotive manufacturers to comply with environmental standards and maintain transparency with consumers [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3739158-mercedes-benz-settles-emission-scandal-with-1496-million-payment]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, Mercedes-Benz's **$149.6 million** settlement marks a pivotal resolution to a long-standing emissions scandal that has raised significant environmental and consumer protection concerns. The key points include: 1. **Settlement Details**: Mercedes-Benz will pay **$120 million** upfront and potentially an additional **$29.6 million** based on compliance with a consumer relief program. 2. **Allegations**: The automaker was found to have used defeat devices in over **211,000 vehicles**, leading to excessive nitrogen oxide emissions. 3. **Industry Implications**: This settlement closes a major chapter in the Dieselgate saga, emphasizing the need for compliance with environmental regulations in the automotive sector. The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices in the automotive industry and the ongoing efforts to protect the environment and consumers from deceptive practices [https://www.republicworld.com/automobile/mercedes-benz-agrees-to-1496-million-settlement-with-us-states-over-excess-diesel-emissions].