Frankfurt prosecutors said Wednesday investigators were conducting raids targeting Japanese carmaker Suzuki over the alleged use of so-called defeat devices that make vehicles appear less polluting than they actually are.
The Japanese group is suspected of putting into circulation by 2018 more than 22,000 diesel vehicles, including their Swift, Cross and Vitara models, equipped with the illegal devices, the prosecutors said in a statement.
Another two companies — Stellantis and Marelli — are also targeted for providing components for the vehicles.
The alleged involvement of Stellantis originated with engines supplied by FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which merged with France’s PSA to form the new group.
Marelli, meanwhile, was accused of providing the engine’s software.
Investigators were raiding sites across Germany, Italy and Hungary to “secure elements of proof — in particular communications data, software and planning documents”.
Japan’s transport ministry had said in 2018 that Suzuki Motor, Mazda and Yamaha admitted using false emissions data for some vehicles.
Scrutiny over diesel vehicles and emissions has intensified after German automobile giant Volkswagen admitted tampering with millions of diesel vehicles to dupe pollution tests.
hmn/sea/spm
SUZUKI MOTOR
GROUPE PSA
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
VOLKSWAGEN
MAZDA MOTOR
YAMAHA MOTOR
Keyword: German prosecutors conduct raids in Suzuki diesel probe