Europa Press Brussels
Brussels
Updated Tuesday, January 30, 2024-18:21
The European Commission has reported that it has carried out surprise inspections at tire production plants in several EU countries to
investigate whether there is a cartel between companies to agree on prices in the sector,
although it has not revealed the brands involved due to confidentiality. .
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, a practice that violates common competition rules.
Presumption of innocence
These surprise inspections are common in the preliminary investigations that the EU carries out when it suspects anti-competitive practices in a sector, although the Commission emphasizes that
such searches do not imply that the companies involved are guilty nor do they prejudge the final result of the investigations.
Brussels
is not subject to a specific deadline to conclude the investigation
since it will depend on other factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of manufacturers involved or the collaboration of those investigated, the institution warns in a statement.
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.