“Manufacturers deliberately avoided competing on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available,” said Vestager.BloombergBMW had previously indicated that it would fight the EU, but agreed to settle the probe in May. In a statement to Bloomberg, the company said the EU stopped pursuing allegations of software development to restrict AdBlue dosing, which led to a lower fine.
This marks the first instance of the European Commission imposing fines for collusion that restricts technological developments. Collaboration between car manufactures is allowed under EU rules, said Vestager, when cooperation fosters efficiency gains and the introduction of new technology.Article content
BMW stated that the collaboration with the other auto manufacturers regarding AdBlue tanks did not influence the company’s decisions.