Beijing Benz C-class cars could be a health risk

Xinhua (Beijing) - Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. has upset some of its C-class car drivers because of a strange smell in its new cars, which could cause potential health risks, media reports said on Monday.

Some Benz C 200 cars have an irritating odor, which makes drivers dizzy and want to vomit if they are sitting in the vehicles for more than 30 minutes, Monday's Securities Daily quoted its sources as saying.

Through third-party assessment, drivers found that high formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical, is to blame for the smell, said the report. It added that the formaldehyde content is four times more than the national standard on indoor air quality.

Interior materials and adhesives were reportedly to be the source of the smell. Cleaning the car and replacing carpets cannot remove the odor.

Beijing Benz said it did not accept the assessment result made by the third-party, according to the report on Monday.

About 460 victims have formed an online right protection group, said the report, adding that the car owners are considering legal action.

Experts have called on relevant authorities to formulate rules concerning in-car air pollution.

Beijing Benz Automotive Co, a joint venture founded by Beijing Automotive Group, Daimler AG and Daimler Northeast Asia Ltd, was not available for comment on Monday afternoon.