Mercedes-Benz and the Future of R134a
Mercedes-Benz and the Future of R134a
On September 25, 2012, Mercedes-Benz issued a press release stating that it wishes to continue using R134a refrigerant in their passenger cars. R134a is planned to be phased out of use and replaced with the more climate friendly refrigerant R1234yf. Numerous laboratory and crash tests by international vehicle manufacturers and independent institutions have previously shown R1234yf to be safe.
Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has carried out a series of additional tests as part of a new real-life test scenario that they have developed in-house and claim that it goes “above and beyond the legally prescribed requirements”. As a result of these tests they have found that the new refrigerant can be proven to be flammable in hot engine compartment if it escapes due to damage sustained in a collision. They have provided these findings to relevant authorities and due to their findings, they wish to continue using R134a refrigerant in their vehicles.
