EU and UK Fine Carmakers Over €535 Million for Recycling Cartel

Fifteen manufacturers and two trade bodies were penalized for colluding to limit competition in vehicle recycling and green advertising from 2002 to 2017.

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.