European Union authorities are investigating European truckmakers Scania and MAN for possible breaches of anti-trust rules. The Swedish and German truckmakers said on Tuesday they were being probed by the European Commission, which confirmed it had carried out raids on some truck manufacturers on suspicion of participating in a cartel. Germany's Daimler AG said EU authorities were conducting a search at its headquarters in Stuttgart.
"The European Commission can confirm that on 18 January 2011 Commission officials started to undertake unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the truck industry in several Member States," it said in a statement. "The Commission has reason to believe that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices and/or the abuse of a dominant market position."
The Commission did not say which companies it was investigating. It can fine companies up to 10 percent of their global turnover for infringing EU rules. Neither Scania nor MAN gave any details of the investigation. World number two truck maker Volvo could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesman for MAN said its offices had been searched. "MAN has assured the cartel authorities of its full co-operation," the spokesman said. Scania also said it would cooperate fully.