Frankfurt, April 27, (dpa/GNA) – German investigators searched the premises of car importer Suzuki Deutschland in the central German town of Bensheim on Wednesday.
According to the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, the company is suspected of fraud, for allegedly selling more than 22,000 diesel vehicles that contained illegal emissions defeat devices.
Individuals involved in the suspected fraud at engine supplier Fiat-Chrysler (now Stellantis) and software supplier Marelli, are also being investigated as part of the case.
The premises of those companies in Heidelberg, Germany, Corbetta in Italy and Esztergom in Hungary were also searched, the public prosecutor’s office announced.
Evidence such as communication data, software and planning documents were confiscated.
According to the investigators, the technical equipment had the effect of massively reducing or completely switching off exhaust gas purification at regular intervals. As a result, large quantities of nitrogen oxides were released into the environment.
The Suzuki models SX4 S-Cross, Swift and Vitara are among those affected. The company did not initially want to comment on the investigations.
GNA