OFT probes alleged truck cartel

Visit to UK premises of Mercedes-Benz part of probe

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an investigation into alleged cartel activity by commercial vehicle manufacturers. 

The OFT last week visited the UK premises of Mercedes-Benz in Milton Keynes as part of the probe.

An OFT spokesman said: “The OFT is investigating suspected cartel activity involving commercial vehicle manufacturers in the UK. Investigations are being carried out under  the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Competition Act 1998. The investigations are at an early stage.

“The OFT will not be in a position to conclude whether it considers the law has been infringed until it has completed its investigations and assessed the available evidence.”

One individual has been arrested and released on bail in connection with the case, the OFT confirmed.

The OFT has also requested information from Scania of Sweden and Germany's MAN as part of the broad-ranging investigation into the pricing of trucks.

The action is a significant move by the OFT as it is the watchdog’s only criminal cartel case - apart from a failed attempt to prosecute British Airways - to feature businesses that are household names.