EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani handed France succour and Mercedes concern.
Ahead of potentially heated talks on Wednesday among Euro experts in Brussels, Tajani said that "preliminary" European Commission analysis had decided France was entitled to block the sale of cars that do not conform.
"Currently, in the European market, there are vehicles produced by this manufacturer [Mercedes] that, according to the preliminary Commission analysis, are not in conformity with their type-approval," Tajani said. "Non-conform vehicles cannot be sold or registered in the European Union".
Since January 1, EU regs demand car makers use a refrigerant called R1234yf, Mercedes is sticking with R134a in the A, B and CLA-class vehicles.
Germany has until August 20 to answer queries from the European Commission, Brussels has another 10 weeks afterwards to decide on formal legal action.
Ahead of potentially heated talks on Wednesday among Euro experts in Brussels, Tajani said that "preliminary" European Commission analysis had decided France was entitled to block the sale of cars that do not conform.
"Currently, in the European market, there are vehicles produced by this manufacturer [Mercedes] that, according to the preliminary Commission analysis, are not in conformity with their type-approval," Tajani said. "Non-conform vehicles cannot be sold or registered in the European Union".
Since January 1, EU regs demand car makers use a refrigerant called R1234yf, Mercedes is sticking with R134a in the A, B and CLA-class vehicles.
Germany has until August 20 to answer queries from the European Commission, Brussels has another 10 weeks afterwards to decide on formal legal action.