Summary
The EU and UK fined major carmakers nearly €600 million for operating a recycling cartel exposed by Mercedes-Benz, which avoided penalties for whistleblowing.
The European Commission fined 15 manufacturers and their association €458 million for fixing costs and limiting advertising of car recycling from 2002 to 2017.
Volkswagen received the largest fine at €127 million. The UK imposed an additional £77.7 million in fines.
Authorities say the cartel suppressed eco-friendly competition and misled consumers. All companies admitted guilt in exchange for reduced fines.
In the US I’d be happy if they even fined companies for this. The current administration doesn’t want to hold corporations accountable at all, unless it’s for “DEI” practices. Whenever I see news like this it makes me want to move to the EU.