BMW investigation into cartel allegations could run into next year

BMW might take until next year to conclude an internal investigation of supposed collusion between German automakers, CEO Harald Krueger stated on Tuesday.

BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen were raided by European Union and German antitrust personnel last month over accusations that they had teamed up to set pricing and technology standards to the detriment of competitors and clients.

“The investigation will continue over the next weeks,” Krueger stated on a conference call, adding the internal investigation could take until next year.

Asked whether BMW would be able to measure potential dangers from the accusations once it had concluded its fact-finding operation, Krueger stated: “As of today we don’t know this at all.”

Other than this, the CEO said volume growth at the automaker will continue in November, December and next year, sustained by the forthcoming X2 and X3 sport-utility automobile and global availability of the upgraded 5-Series.