Europe fines five truck manufacturers for agreeing on vehicle prices

The commission has reduced the sanction by 10% because the brands have recognized the facts, which occurred between 1997 and 2011. MAN has been exempt from paying fines for having denounced the pact between brands. According to sources in Brussels, the agreed prices affected 9 out of 10 medium and heavy trucks sold in Europe in the 14 years investigated. The largest fine goes to Daimler (1,008 million euros), followed by DAF (752 million euros), Volvo (670 million euros) and Iveco (494 million euros).

Commission sources They have explained that there is a sixth manufacturer suspected of having also agreed on prices: the Swedish brand Scania, a brand that has not wanted to participate in the voluntary procedure opened by Brussels. In the event that it is shown that Scania also agreed on prices (something that is still being investigated), it would be sanctioned with higher fines than those of the rest of the manufacturers. 

Apparently, the brands not only agreed on the starting prices of the vehicles but also delayed the timetable for introducing the technological innovations required by the European regulations on polluting emissions, which meant that it was the truck drivers themselves who had to bear the costs of adapting the necessary systems in their vehicles to regulate emissions and acquire the relevant spare parts, spare parts and accessories.

There are currently products on the market that help reduce emissions from trucks, vans, industrial and professional vehicles and also passenger cars, and that help, for example to pass the inspections of the ITV. Among these products, the 200 ml Auxol ITV for diesel engines stands out, which reduces hydrocarbon emissions (by 50% and particulate emissions by 30%).