Frankfurt Prosecutors Raid Suzuki as Part of Diesel Probe Over Defeat Devices

Frankfurt prosecutors are conducting raids in Germany, Italy and Hungary as part of a probe into suspicions that Suzuki diesel cars were equipped with defeat devices.

Prosecutors are looking into allegations that Suzuki sold more than 22,000 SX-4 S Cross, Swift and Vitara models with engines equipped with a defeat device. (REUTERS)

Frankfurt prosecutors are conducting raids in Germany, Italy and Hungary as part of a probe into suspicions that Suzuki diesel cars were equipped with defeat devices.

The raids are taking place today amid the investigation which is targeting employees of Suzuki Motor Corp., Stellantis NV and Marelli Corp., the Frankfurt prosecutors said in a statement in Wednesday. The companies didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

Prosecutors are looking into allegations that Suzuki sold more than 22,000 SX-4 S Cross, Swift and Vitara models with engines equipped with a defeat device that manipulates the readings of emissions outputs. Buyers weren't told that the vehicles didn't meet European legal standards. The engines were allegedly delivered by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which now belongs to Stellantis, said the prosecutors. The software allegedly was provided by Marelli, according to the statement.

Frankfurt prosecutors conducted the searches in cooperation with their counterparts in Italy and Hungary, which were coordinated by Eurojust, the European Union's unit for judicial cooperation.