(Photo= Yonhap news)

[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle (EV) owners are organizing a collective action in response to the company’s use of Chinese Farasis batteries in its vehicles. 

 

On September 3rd, reports from Money Today and the automotive industry revealed that around 250 Mercedes-Benz EV owners have gathered in a KakaoTalk open chatroom to discuss forming an emergency committee and to seek compensation for what they believe is deceptive conduct by the automaker.

The owners allege that Mercedes-Benz advertised the EQE vehicles as being equipped with CATL batteries but installed Farasis batteries in most trims instead, misleading consumers. One owner expressed frustration, stating, "Many of us purchased the car believing it had CATL batteries based on the company's advertisements, only to find out that it actually uses Farasis batteries. It feels like we've been deceived."

The owners plan to hold a founding meeting for the emergency committee at 7 p.m. in a building in Seoul’s Gangnam District. The committee’s executive team will lead discussions with Mercedes-Benz regarding compensation. They also plan to send an official notice to Mercedes-Benz Korea, initiating legal procedures if necessary. To ensure the legitimacy of the group, the committee will verify the ownership of participants.

Additionally, the group has begun filing complaints with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and the Korea Consumer Agency, signaling the start of their collective action. The Korea Consumer Agency has announced that it will begin a dispute resolution process after conducting a fact-check and consulting experts due to the numerous complaints received. The owners have stated that if Mercedes-Benz does not respond adequately, they may consider pursuing criminal charges.

 

 

 

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