Top automakers including BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen face massive fines after regulators discovered they secretly agreed to hide key recycling information from customers. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) penalized 10 brands and two industry groups a combined £78 million for suppressing environmental data about their vehicles.
What Went Wrong?
- Hidden recycling rates: Carmakers deliberately didn’t disclose how much of each vehicle could be recycled
- 15-year deception: Most brands participated in this practice from 2002-2017
- Buyers’ cartel: Eight manufacturers initially agreed not to pay for proper car recycling
- Double penalties: European Commission fined 15 brands €458m for similar violations
Why It Matters
“These actions blocked consumers from making eco-conscious choices,” said Teresa Ribera of the European Commission. By law, manufacturers must clearly state:
- Percentage of recycled materials used
- Vehicle recyclability information
- Proper end-of-life disposal options
Who’s Involved?
The penalties affect:
Brands: BMW, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot Citroen, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen
Trade groups: ACEA and SMMT (both admitted wrongdoing)
Industry Response
The SMMT stated it has “strengthened compliance procedures” after cooperating with investigators. All fined companies (except immunity-granted Mercedes) have admitted guilt and agreed to pay.
This case highlights growing scrutiny of automakers’ environmental claims as regulators demand greater transparency in the push toward sustainable transportation.
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