EU, UK Fine Carmakers for Recycling Cartel

Fifteen major car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW, alongside the European Automobiles Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), have been fined €458 million by the European Commission for participating in a cartel related to the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. Volkswagen received the largest fine, with others like Renault-Nissan and Ford also significantly penalized. The cartel, which spanned over 15 years, involved agreements to suppress recycling information and avoid paying dismantlers, thereby reducing competition and environmental accountability. Mercedes-Benz, which disclosed the cartel under a leniency program, was exempt from fines. Parallel investigations by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority resulted in additional fines of £77.7 million. The collusion prevented consumers from making informed choices based on the environmental impact of vehicles, violating EU recycling directives.