Germany has two months to comply with EU laws regarding the use of a controversial car refrigerant in parts of its automobile industry or else risk legal action, the EU commission said Thursday.
At issue is the car coolant R134a, which the European Union has banned from use in new vehicle types. Berlin has refused to enforce the measure and has allowed Daimler to keep using the old product, arguing that the EU-proposed alternative – R1234yf – has been deemed flammable and unsafe.
Daimler has managed to circumvent the ban in some new cars by using old vehicle certifications that are still valid.
If Berlin fails to comply, the case against it could be referred to the bloc’s top court, which can impose hefty fines.
“Germany has infringed EU law in so far as it allowed a German manufacturer to put on the EU market … vehicles that were not in conformity with the [EU] directive,” the commission wrote.
Thursday’s formal request brings Germany one step closer to court action. The commission had already asked Berlin in January to respond to its concerns.
The move comes shortly before a commission reshuffle is due in Brussels, triggering speculation that top officials are seeking to set the course for the EU’s incoming executive, according to an EU diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The EU’s executive insists that R1234yf is safe. However, the German Transport Ministry has said that there are still “many questions” surrounding the coolant. Daimler contends that it could harm passengers and firefighters should it ignite.
Honeywell, the manufacturer of R1234yf, welcomed Thursday’s decision. But Daimler insisted that it was acting lawfully.
“We have a [car] type permit for our vehicles that is valid across Europe,” a Daimler spokesman said.
The dispute led France to temporarily block the registration of compact Mercedes cars last year.
GNA
