The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to determine whether BMW, Daimler and VW colluded to avoid competing with each other on clean emission technologies. The EU is assessing whether the companies met to limit the development of catalytic systems that reduce nitrogen oxide diesel emissions and particulate matter (“Otto” systems) from gas-powered cars.
“These technologies aim at making passenger cars less damaging to the environment. If proven, this collusion may have denied consumers the opportunity to buy less polluting cars, despite the technology being available to the manufacturers,” said European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.
In particular the Commission is assessing whether the companies colluded to limit the development and roll-out of selective catalytic reduction systems, which reduce nitrogen oxides from diesel car emissions
The Commission raided the German carmakers‘ premises in October 2017 as part of its initial inquiries.
The Commission said there was no legal deadline to bring its antitrust investigation to a close and didn’t discuss potential fines or penalties.
Full Content: CNBC
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