German transport authorities say they have already responded to first steps by the European Commission (EC) to potentially launch infringement procedures against the country for supporting the use of r134a refrigerant in vehicles.

The rapid reply to the Commission’s concerns surrounding the use of r134a – which Mercedes-Benz prefers to the EC-backed and Honeywell-produced r1234yf alternative – shows the level of seriousness with which the German government takes the issue that has thrown it full square against Brussels and authorities in France, which temporarily banned the automaker’s models.

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Mercedes maintains r1234yf could present a fire hazard in certain circumstances, while Honeywell counters it is safe and better for the environment, at the same time firing a broadshot across: “A single automaker’s decision” to not comply with the EU Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) Directive.

“We have responded – our view is we do adhere with the European aims in reduce [ing] climate emissions,” a German Transport Ministry spokeswoman told just-auto from Berlin.

“We also think it is not wise in the view of safety to use something that obviously bears risk, [that] has not been fully explored yet.

“Secondly, in this particular issue, we are on the right track because it is not [that] we source something on to the market that might have severe consequences for health and safety.”

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The highly contentious issue has dragged on for some considerable time with no movement appearing likely, following France’s highest Court, the Council of State’s decision to overturn a previous ban on Mercedes A, B, CLA and SL models using the r134a refrigerant.

But the longer the situation remains at stalemate, the more likely it is industry could adopt its own solution.

“I think it will be solved by time-lapse,” said the German Transport Ministry spokeswoman. “Soon the industry will be on the market with a totally new product and all this hassle will be in the past – because they will have a CO2 cooling system.”

Honeywell has welcomed the EC’s decision to launch first infringement steps against Germany, with Mercedes noting the move, adding: “Should the authorities require our further assistance, we will, of course, continue to make all the necessary information available.”