German car companies have formed a cartel to circumvent high environmental standards
German car companies polluted by Dieselgate today added a fine of 875m euros from the European Commission to their shortcomings because they agreed in a cartel to deflect pressure for greener cars. EC Vice President Margrethe Vestager (Denmark) announced the sanction, which refers to concerted actions between BMW, Daimler (Mercedes) and the Volkswagen concern, which also includes Audi and Porsche.
The “Circle of Five”, as it was called, agreed at technical meetings in the period 2009-2014 not to apply the latest technologies to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from diesel cars. It was a new type of filter that was already available. The biggest fault lies with Volkswagen, which will pay 502 million euros. BMW’s fine is 373 million euros, and Daimler got away with a financial sanction because he was the first to signal the existence of a cartel.
The European Commission reminded that cartels in the EU are prohibited not only when negotiating prices, but also on other parameters that hinder competition. Only the negotiation of common standards that do not harm the environment, security, durability of goods, etc. is allowed.
decide whether to appeal, according to a statement.
–
