The EU today imposed a € 502 million fine on German carmaker Volkswagen and a € 373 million fine on BMW for an agreement to restrict competition in diesel car exhaust systems, AFP reported.
The other major German carmaker, Daimler, which also participated in the deal but announced its existence, was not sanctioned.
These three groups have violated EU rules on anti-corruption practices by agreeing on technical developments in the field of nitrogen oxide treatment, the EC said in a statement.
The scandal affects both high-end brands Audi and Porsche, subsidiaries of Volkswagen. It is not tied to Dislegate, which erupted in 2015, which forced the leading European carmaker Volkswagen to recognize the manipulative software of emissions tests.
Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler have held regular technical meetings to discuss the development of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, which removes harmful nitrous oxide emissions from diesel cars by injecting urea (also called AdBlue). the EU executive.
During these meetings, for more than 5 years, carmakers have agreed not to purify more exhaust gases than required by regulations, the same source said.
“These groups have the necessary technology to reduce harmful emissions above the level required by EU standards. But they have avoided competition with each other by not using the full potential of this technology to exceed the statutory level of wastewater treatment. gases, “EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager told a news conference.
By choosing to expose the cartel, Dailmer received full immunity, avoiding a fine of about 727 million euros.
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