Mercedes Has No Idea How North Korea Got Their Limos

The German-owned Daimler AG automotive company said this weekthat it had no idea how North Korea got their armored Mercedes limousines.

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Daimler AG denied any dealings with the North Korean government, adding that they were suprised to see the nation's leader, Kim Jung Un, using these vehicles.

"We have absolutely no idea how those vehicles were delivered to North Korea," Daimler spokeswoman Silke Mockert said in a written response to an Associated Press report Wednesday on the limousines. "For Daimler, the correct export of products in conformance with the law is a fundamental principle of responsible entrepreneurial activity."

"Our company has had no business connections with North Korea for far more than 15 years now and strictly complies with E.U. and U.S. embargoes," she said. "To prevent deliveries to North Korea and to any of its embassies worldwide, Daimler has implemented a comprehensive export control process. Sales of vehicles by third parties, especially of used vehicles, are beyond our control and responsibility."

The North Korean leader has often been pictured using Mercedes stretch limousines at a number of high-profile summits, including the latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kim has also been seen using the Mercedes stretch limousines in his previous meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, which has raised questions about the sanctions on North Korea. 

The sale of luxury goods to North Korea is currently banned under the sanctions that were imposed by the United Nations; this includes stretch limousines.