Daimler invests 3 billion euros in clean diesel technology

Daimler says modifications the company has made on its engines and exhaust treatment systems will curtail diesel exhaust pollution levels.  Twitter photo.

FRANKFURT, May 27 (Reuters) – Daimler said it will spend 3 billion euros ($3.35 billion) to curtail diesel exhaust pollution levels by modifying its engines and exhaust treatment systems including through a software update for some Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

The 3 billion euros includes a 2.6 billion euros investment announced in February.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board of Management Member for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development said “we decided five years ago to invest massively in the further development of diesel technology.”

The company will equip its entire range of diesel cars in Europe with selective catalytic reduction technology and roll out particulate filters for gasoline engines.

“We are also continuously making our gasoline engines more efficient and more environment-friendly; because high-tech combustion engines will remain the backbone of individual mobility until the widespread market success of electric vehicles”, said Weber.

Daimler said improvements in engine technology include optimizations of turbocharging, fuel injection and inter-cooling, as well as the application of new materials which help extend exhaust-gas recirculation treatments at lower operating temperatures.

(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Georgina Prodhan)