EU Fines Volkswagen and BMW €460 Million for Anti-Competitive Practices
The EU Commission penalized major automakers for colluding to withhold recyclability information, with Mercedes-Benz avoiding fines by whistleblowing.
- The EU Commission has imposed a €460 million fine on several automakers for engaging in anti-competitive practices from 2002 to 2017.
- Volkswagen received the largest penalty at €127 million, while BMW was fined €25 million.
- Mercedes-Benz avoided financial penalties by disclosing the cartel to regulators, playing a whistleblower role.
- The automakers coordinated agreements to withhold information on vehicle recyclability, limiting consumer awareness and reducing pressure to exceed environmental standards.
- The decision underscores the EU's commitment to enforcing competition laws and promoting transparency in the automotive industry.
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