Swiss officials ban some Mercedes, Porsche models due to emissions

Swiss officials have halted registrations of some recent Mercedes-Benz Vito and Porsche Macan and Cayenne vehicles that had diesel engines that disguised emissions levels, the Astra roads agency stated on Wednesday.

The move will impact vehicles imported from August 17. Vehicles already registered in Switzerland may keep operating, but must be retrofitted, Astra stated.

Mercedes Vitos with 1.6-litre diesel engines, Porsche Macans with 3-litre diesel engines and Cayennes with 4.2-litre diesel engine are impacted by the decision. All have Euro 6 emission norms, that refers to the emissions standards these engines are ought to meet.

Daimler stated it had stopped exporting the Vito model following German authorities orders in May for a recall and stop new registrations for the vehicle. This affected 24 Vito vehicles destined for the country, a spokesman for the German manufacturer wrote in an emailed statement.