Penalty 41 million to the Volkswagen Group for cartel practices – World

, two consulting companies and two industry associations.

Of the 41.13 million, 78 087 euros related to the ANT consultants (11,612 euros), Horwath (36 475 euros) and two Industry groups :. Association of independent VW dealers (Acevas) and Seat Dealers Association (Ancosat), with 15,000 euros each

According to a statement, the agency believes that all accredited conducted prohibited by Article 1 of Law 15/2007 for the Defence of Competition constitute cartel practices.

The CNMC ensures that the concessionaires decided and applied agreements to fix maximum discounts and commercial conditions , and the exchange of sensitive information in the market for distribution of passenger cars from Audi, VOLKSWAGUEN (VW) and Seat brands through independent dealers of the manufacturer and ownership brand.

According to the CNMC, adopted agreements “with obvious concealment and secrecy , using specific mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the agreements and even in some cases, instruments of sanction for non-compliance “.

distinguishes seven” zones “that define so many other cartels : Madrid, Catalonia, Andalusia, North, Asturias, Valencia ( regarding Audi-VW) and Madrid (about SEAT).

The duration of the cartels accredited varies depending on the areas, dating back in some cases to 2006 and extending until June 2013 .

The monitoring of the agreements took place in all regions except Asturias and Valencia / Castellon.

ANT was responsible for collecting fines in cartel AUDI / VW in the area of ​​Madrid (since 2010) and in the area of ​​Catalonia (since 2011) and this amount destined him to pay their own services, indicated

.

The obtained CNMC e-mails and handwritten notes of the companies that prove such “unlawful conduct” , and has information provided by companies on the requirements that has taken them.

The creation of these posters affected to car buyers of these brands, which could not benefit from higher discounts or better trading conditions, denounced the Commission.

The CNMC have been exempted from paying the penalty that would correspond to their involvement in the offense both Seat SA, because of who he denounced as eleven of its subsidiaries.

This is because they have provided “sufficient evidence during the investigation that have enabled the CNMC the Cartel detection “.

The highest penalties are 2.87 million euros (F. Tome) and 2.46 million euros imposed on the one hand , Audi Retail Madrid SA and severally SEAT; and, secondly, to Volkswagen Madrid SA and severally Seat.

The CNMC remember against those decisions can not be appealed through administrative channels, can be brought judicial review in the High Court within two months from the day following its notification.