The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of the Japanese government announced that a fine has been imposed on "Mercedes-Benz Japan" for "misleading customers."
According to the agency's statement, the company's vehicle catalogs indicated that the GLA and GLB models were equipped with certain driving support systems.
These features included a system that automatically moves the vehicle forward when traffic resumes after a stop, and a system that allows the driver to change lanes by activating the turn signal.
Inspections revealed that these driving features were actually optional and dependent on customer request.
The agency stated that it classified the situation as "misleading to customers" and imposed a fine of 1.23 billion yen ($8.3 million) on "Mercedes-Benz Japan."
The company was also instructed to take measures to prevent a recurrence of the situation.
A report by the state broadcaster NHK noted that this is the "highest fine ever issued for misleading representations."
"Mercedes-Benz Japan" announced that it would work to ensure legal compliance and improve its management system.
News Source: AA
