Brussels investigates several tire manufacturers for a possible cartel. What we want to know is whether these companies coordinated to fix prices for new replacement tires for cars, vans, trucks and buses sold in the EU.
These surprise inspections are common in the preliminary investigations that the EU carries out when it suspects anti-competitive practices in a sector. Offending companies that collaborate in the process, in fact, can benefit from a reduction in the fine that would be imposed if the anti- competitive practices are finally confirmed.