Mercedes Abandoning Plans for 2017 U.S. Diesel Models

Mercedes-Benz may revisit idea of selling U.S. diesel models in the future.

We’re not sure if you even need to read between the lines on this one. It seems clear as day to us.

In some seemingly groundbreaking news, Daimler AG is abandoning plans to seek approval to sell 2017 Mercedes-Benz diesel models in the U.S.

The official statement?

“We constantly review our portfolio offerings and make adjustments to meet immediate customer need,” reads an email from Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran (via Autoblog). “Combined with the increased effort to certify diesel engines in the U.S., we have put the certification process for diesel passenger cars on hold.”

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Groundbreaking News

No doubt this another fallout from the Volkswagen fiasco. It seems seems to be a growing indication that the idea of diesel cars taking over the U.S. is pretty much dead. Okay, so, nobody ever thought diesel vehicles would dominate U.S. roadways. But there certainly were high hopes prior to VW using software on 580,000 U.S. vehicles, enabling them to spew up to 40 times the legal amount of emissions.

Mercedes-Benz has also found some of its diesel technology coming under scrutiny. Last month, Daimler authorities were alerted that an investigation into their U.S. diesel cars could prompt recalls and penalties. That’s likely another major reason their backing out of the U.S. approval process.

Pulling out of the diesel market in the U.S. really won’t be a big deal for Mercedes. In 2016, diesel vehicles accounted for less than one percent of the German carmaker’s U.S. sales. That said, it doesn’t seem like the company is ready to say they won’t pursue U.S. diesel sales in the future.

The company is “leaving the door open to offer diesels as a potential option in our passenger cars and SUVs,” said Moran.