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Professor Wagner-von Papp quoted in National Observer article about alleged innovation cartel
8 May 2019
The article concerns a European investigation into three major manufacturers, alleging they colluded to delay the introduction of cleaner cars on the consumer market.
Professor Florian Wagner-von Papp, Professor of Antitrust and Comparative Law and Economics at UCL Laws, has been cited in an article published in National Observer on 3rd May.
The article discusses allegations that BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen colluded to limit the introduction of clean emissions technology – meaning consumers were likely prevented from having opportunities to buy cars with the most effective clean technologies. The case could have legal implications not only in the EU, but also in Canada and the United States.
Professor Wagner-von Papp stated that if the allegations are proven in the European investigation, and if the cars affected by the cartel were exported to Canada and the US, then Canadian and US competition authorities would likely also take action. Private actions may follow as well, both in the EU and across the Atlantic. The nature of the alleged cartel as an innovation cartel makes establishing harm in private actions potentially more challenging than in run-of-the-mill price-fixing cartels.