Michelle ThompsonTen automakers and two industry groups have been fined nearly £78 million for concealing vehicle recycling data.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) penalized BMW, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Peugeot Citroen, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and two trade organizations for withholding details on how much of their vehicles could be recycled.
The European Commission also imposed €458 million (£382.7 million) in fines on 15 automakers and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) for violating recycling regulations. Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president for the European Commission’s clean energy transition, emphasized that cartels restricting consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products would not be tolerated.
Except for Renault, the carmakers also agreed not to disclose the percentage of recycled materials used in their vehicles. The CMA found that most engaged in this practice for 15 years from 2002.
Eight of the fined manufacturers formed a “buyers’ cartel,” later joined by other automakers. This arrangement prevented them from paying for end-of-life vehicle recycling. The CMA confirmed that both ACEA and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) participated in these illegal agreements.
By law, automakers must disclose recyclability details in advertisements to help consumers make informed decisions.
All implicated companies, except Mercedes-Benz, which received immunity, have settled with the CMA, admitting to the violations and agreeing to pay fines.
The SMMT stated that it fully cooperated with the investigation, accepted the findings, and has strengthened its compliance protocols.
