Emissions Delays Force Mercedes-Benz To Cancel 2017 Diesel Models

Mercedes-Benz Canada says it will not sell diesel-powered models as part of its 2017 lineup because regulators here and in the U.S. have taken too long to certify them for emissions compliance.

According to Automotive News Canada, there will be no diesel versions of the 2017 Mercedes Benz C-Class and E-Class sedans and 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class compact crossover, though JoAnne Caza of Mercedes-Benz Canada says they are still awaiting certification for diesel versions of its GLE and GLS SUVs.

For the moment, Caza says the automaker is focusing on its gasoline engine models.

Mercedes-Benz can blame Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal for having to shelve its 2017 diesels. Regulatory bodies like Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are subjecting diesel engines to tighter scrutiny in order to ensure other manufacturers aren't using electronic cheats similar to the one that allowed Volkswagen diesels to detect when they were connected to emissions testing gear while running less cleanly in real-world conditions.

Audi was more directly affected by the VW scandal, as its diesel engines were the very ones that contained cheat software. That leaves BMW as the only German automaker whose diesel offerings remain intact. Product specialist Rob Dexter says the 2017 BMW 3 Series car and 2017 BMW X3 and X5 crossovers are available with diesels for 2017 as planned.