The European Commission imposed penalties of 15 car manufacturers in total of € 458 million for participation in a cartel conspiracy related to the disposal of vehicles. The companies were accused of refusing to comply with EU requirements for processing old cars and conceal information on the use of recycled materials in their new models.
According to the investigation of the European Commission, car manufacturers did not agree on the exact percentage of recycled materials used in new cars and did not advertise the environmental benefits of their vehicles. In addition, these companies have refused to compensate for the cost of disposing of old cars, although in accordance with EU law, manufacturers are obliged to cover these costs. This led to the fact that the owners of old cars could not surrender them for disposal, which was the right under the law.
The cartel existed for 15 years - from May 2002 to September 2017. During this period, auto manufacturers coordinated their activities through the European Automovernment Association (ACEA), which organized meetings and contacts between companies, which allowed to reconcile illegal actions.
The largest penalties were received by three giants of the auto industry. Volkswagen was fined for € 127.69 million, Stellantis-for € 99.5 million, and Renault-Nissan-for € 81.46 million. Ford (€ 41.46 million), Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, GM, Suzuki and Volvo were also fined.
These companies were involved in conspiracy because of their participation in dishonest practices related to environmental requirements and car disposal. The ACEA Association was also fined for € 500,000 for coordination of the cartel.
Mercedes-Benz was able to avoid a fine because the company the first recognized its participation in conspiracy and reported to the antitrust authorities of the EU. As a result, Mercedes was able to avoid financial sanctions as it actively facilitated the investigation and disclosure of other participants in the cartel.
All conspiracy participants pleaded guilty, which allowed them to receive 10% off penalties. Stellantis stated that she cooperated with regulators throughout the investigation and has already provided a corresponding fine in her financial reports for 2024.
