Raid in Bensheim
Search at Suzuki – suspicion of exhaust gas fraud
At Suzuki Germany there is a suspicion of exhaust gas fraud (symbol photo)
© Horst Galuschka / Imago Images
Investigators searched the business premises of the car importer Suzuki Germany in Bensheim in southern Hesse. There is a suspicion of exhaust gas fraud. Over 20,000 diesel vehicles are said to be affected.
According to the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, Suzuki Germany is suspected of fraud because it is said to have sold more than 22,000 diesel vehicles with illegal defeat devices for exhaust gas treatment.
In addition to Suzuki managers, those responsible for engine supplier Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) and software supplier Marelli are also under suspicion. Business premises of the companies involved in Heidelberg, Corbetta (Italy) and Esztergom (Hungary) were also searched on Wednesday, the public prosecutor announced. Evidence such as communication data, software and planning documents were sought.
Allegedly several Suzuki models affected
According to the investigators, the technical equipment is said to have caused exhaust gas cleaning to be massively reduced or completely switched off in numerous everyday situations. Large amounts of nitrogen oxides were released into the environment. Customers are said to have been deceived and bought the vehicles under the impression that they met the requirements for Euro 6 approval. Affected were the diesels of the Suzuki models SX4 S-Cross, Swift and Vitara. The company initially declined to comment on the investigation.