Exhaust pipe testing at Daimler's technical center. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Scheuer announced that he would launch a comprehensive exchange between the government and Daimler to clarify how many vehicles are affected by the scandal.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority KBA last week ordered Daimler to recall 5,000 Mercedes Vito vehicles after it concluded the vans used a so-called defeat device to skirt emissions limits. The company said it disagreed with authorities' assessment, but would prepare software updates for the vehicles' engine control systems and carry out the updates at no cost to vehicle owners.