German carmakers BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have received a “gift” from the European Union in the form of a $ 1 billion fine.

According to the EU, they avoided competing in the development of technology that would limit pollution from cars with petrol and diesel engines. It is the first fine that the EU has imposed on holding back the use of technical developments.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said: “Manufacturers deliberately avoided to compete on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available. ”

Volkswagen believes that the investigation has shown that certain forms of cooperation do not violate the antitrust law. The EU’s decision violates the existing legal basis because it sanctioned cooperation in the development of technology as a violation of antitrust rules, according to VW.

EU rules allow companies to cooperate in the introduction of new technologies to increase efficiency. Reportedly, the companies agreed on the production of smaller tanks and the driving range that could be expected before the tank needs to be filled.

BMW claims that the talks did not affect decision-making and that it will reduce allocations for lawsuits due to unsustainable allegations, although they have prepared $ 1.7 billion for that purpose.

The penalty was not imposed on Daimler, because they revealed the alleged agreements of other manufacturers.

Source: Associated Press