EU to issue official complaints to automakers over emissions collusion

The European anti-trust watchdog prepares to send official complaints to BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen this spring, in which the EU regulator will make informative allegations about collusion on emissions of diesel engines, Handelsblatt reported on Wednesday.

In a so-called “Statement of Objections” the EU is anticipated to discuss its allegations, which may result in fines for the automakers.

According to Handelsblatt, files from the public prosecutor’s offices in Braunschweig and Munich reveal that the automakers cooperated on exhaust emissions and cautioned each other not to show the details of the work to the officials. Daimler reported itself to the EU Commission, followed by Volkswagen two years later.

The EU Commission and Daimler had no comment at the moment. BMW refused to discuss. Volkswagen also said it was not able to discuss the audit.

“The Volkswagen Group and the respective Group brands have cooperated fully with the European Commission and will keep doing it,” it included.