BMW, Volkswagen: EU antitrust regulators to fine carmakers over emission scheming: Report

BMW and Volkswagen will be slapped with a fine after the EU antitrust regulators reportedly found them restricting clean air technology. This information was shared by someone who is familiar with the situation.

As per Reuters, on Tuesday, May 25, a source shared that the antitrust regulators narrowed down the extent of their case and as a result, their fine was reduced. It was the European Commission that charged BMW and Volkswagen for allegedly colluding to hinder the rollout of clean emissions technology in 2019.

The details of the case against VW and BMW

The European Union competition watchdog previously stated that five car brands are involved in the case and these are BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen Group's that include Porsche, Audi and VW. Then again, out of these four, it was said that Daimler might be off the hook because it was the one that tipped off the regulators for the misdeed.

The fine is likely to be announced and handed down to the affected automakers before the summer break. It was clarified that this is a different penalty from Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating controversies that forced the company to shell out around $38 billion in fines and settlements.

The EU case with BMW and Volkswagen will solely be centered on selective catalytic reduction systems of SCR that lessen nitrogen oxides from diesel car emissions through the injection of AdBlue in the exhaust gas stream. The commission accused the said automakers of coordinating to limit the size of the AdBlue tanks between the years 2006 and 2014.

Regulators lower fine for charged companies

In a press release, BMW clarified and reiterated that “The BMW Group is not and has not been accused of unlawful manipulation of emission control systems.”

The German luxury car and motorcycle maker added that “Based on the progress of the proceedings, BMW AG expects, compared with the statement of objections of 5 April 2019, that the EU Commission will significantly reduce its allegations against BMW AG in terms of content and duration.”

Meanwhile, all the involved firms were contacted for comments, but none of them was able to respond. The commission did not comment as well.