Mercedes-Benz and the Fight for Environmental Change
In the pursuit of environmental progress, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) is set to bring Mercedes-Benz to the Federal Court of Justice. The clash stems from the automaker's CEO, Ola Källenius's promise at the World Climate Conference to shift entirely to all-electric cars by 2030. Ironically, Mercedes-Benz remains committed to selling combustion cars, reaping substantial profits.
The DUH's stance against Mercedes-Benz involves seeking a ban on the sale of conventional, greenhouse gas-emitting cars post-November 2030. They base their demand on the Paris Climate Protection Agreement and Germany's own Climate Protection Act.
The Higher Regional Court in Stuttgart, however, dismissed the claim in a recent second instance trial, arguing that the state had not been obliged to enforce such a prohibition on Mercedes-Benz. DUH's previous litigation attempts against Volkswagen, BMW, and oil and gas company Wintershall DEA also met with similar outcomes in other courts.
Vowing to continue their crusade against Mercedes-Benz, the DUH highlights the carmaker's perpetuation of the combustion car market as contradictory to their proclaimed aim of achieving an all-electric transformation by 2030. In the broader environmental context, reducing reliance on these carbon-emitting vehicles is of paramount importance in confronting climate change.
While specific outcomes of DUH's lawsuits against Mercedes-Benz are not extensively detailed in available sources, the organization's persistent environmental activism in Germany is evident. Ranging from recognizing natural rights by German courts to addressing the Volkswagen emissions scandal, DUH's legal efforts signify a broader environmental movement in the country.
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