Nicholas Carmichael

The representative plaintiff sought approval of a class action settlement regarding 'defeat devices' in Mercedes Benz BlueTEC diesel vehicles.

The settlement, valued at approximately $530 million, included no-charge emission modifications, extended warranties, and cash payments.

The court approved the settlement as fair and reasonable, noting the risks of further litigation.

The court also approved $14 million in legal fees to be paid by the defendants and a $10,000 honorarium for the representative plaintiff.

The plaintiff and remaining defendants in a price-fixing class action sought to certify the action on consent, approve class counsel fees, and dismiss the action.

The class members had previously been compensated through a settlement with other defendants.

The court found no prejudice to the class, certified the action, approved class counsel fees of $239,895.26 from trust funds, and dismissed the action without costs.