On 22 November 2017, the European Commission imposed a fine of about 34 million euro on the Japanese companies Tokai Rika, Takata, Autoliv, Toyoda Gosei and Marutaka for breaching EU antitrust rules. These companies are active in the production and supply of car safety equipment.

The Commission found four separate infringements relating to the supply of seatbelts, airbags and steering wheels to Japanese car manufacturers Toyota, Suzuki and Honda in the European Economic Area (EEA). The companies took part in one or more of four cartels through the coordination of prices and the exchange of sensitive information.

The cartel may have had a significant effect on European customers, since around one out of every eleven cars sold in Europe is produced by a Japanese company. Furthermore, all the Japanese car companies affected by the cartel have manufacturing plants in the EEA.

All five suppliers acknowledged their involvement in the cartels and agreed to settle the case.

Sara Capruzzi