The Automotive Industry under Scrutiny: Competition Law Developments in Europe

Anne C Wegner, Benjamin Schwenker  present The Automotive Industry under Scrutiny: Competition Law Developments in Europe.

ABSTRACT:

• Cartels in the automotive sector are constantly pursued by the antitrust authorities—although the number and size of proceedings seems to be on the decline.

• In contrast, there has been a rising amount of damages litigation in the sector—in particular, participants of the truck cartel continue to face numerous follow-on damages claims in an unprecedented amount. Likewise, original equipment manufacturers continue pursuing their damages claims against parts suppliers.

• Several big mergers have been cleared and carried out—others have been frustrated. Inter alia, the EC evaluated and cleared the creation of six joint ventures developing and offering mobility services by BMW and Daimler.