Overview

• The European Commission imposed €458 million in fines, while the UK CMA levied £77.7 million against carmakers and trade bodies for anti-competitive practices.
• The cartel agreements suppressed advertising of recycling efforts and restricted payments to third parties for end-of-life vehicle processing.
• Mercedes-Benz avoided fines by reporting the cartel, while other participants received reduced penalties for cooperating with investigations.
• The cartel was organized through ACEA meetings and documented in the 'ELV Charta,' which sought to prevent competitive environmental claims.
• Regulators emphasized the impact on consumers, who were denied information to make informed choices and incentivize environmental innovation.