EC probes car battery cartel

Five vehicle battery manufacturers have been accused of breaching the EU’s antitrust rules by forming a cartel.

The European Commission said Banner, Clarios, Exide, FET and Rombat, as well as trade association Eurobat and its service provider Kellen, colluded to increase the prices of starter batteries sold to car manufacturers in Europe for new cars and replacements.

The EC said the allegations date from 2004 to 2017, when the five starter battery manufacturers published and agreed new indices in their negotiations with manufacturers on price. Known as the Eurobat Premium System, the EC said the aim of the conduct “was to fix an important element of the final battery price”.

Eurobat had its own service provider, Kellen, which the EC said were both aware of the alleged price fixing and contributed by helping to create and operate the Eurobat Premium Service.

All six companies and the trade association have been sent Statement of Objections in a formal step in the EC’s investigation.

The companies can now respond in writing or at an oral hearing before the EC decides if there is enough evidence of an infringement.