VW & BMW to face reduced EU fines over emissions collusion

Volkswagen and BMW are to face reduced antitrust fines in the EU over clean air technology following a decision by regulators to narrow the scope of an investigation, Reuters has reported.

In 2019, the European Commission charged the German automakers with working together to block clean emissions technology rollout and is expected to issue fines in the next two months.

The EU competition watchdog had said previously that the case involved the "circle of five" - BMW, Daimler as well as Volkswagen Group's VW, Porsche and Audi.

The investigation will now only focus on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, which reduce nitrogen oxides from diesel car emissions through the injection of urea (also called AdBlue) in the exhaust gas stream, the report said.

Also read: Volkswagen sues ex-CEOs for breaching "duty of care" over Dieselgate

The Commission said in its 2019 charge sheet that the carmakers colluded to restrict the size of AdBlue tanks between 2006 and 2014.

Earlier allegations that the group had held back the introduction of new cleaner particulate filters for petrol cars from 2009 to 2014 were dropped by the regulators.

Both companies have yet to comment. Last week BMW cut its antitrust provisions by €1 billion after anticipating a lower EU fine.

The Commission was informed of the wrongdoing by Daimler. The company simply reiterated that it will not face a fine and declined to comment further.

The case is separate from Volkswagen's "Dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal, which has so far cost the automotive giant over €31 billion in fines and settlements.

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