
South Korea announced last week it will fine Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi through its antitrust regulator for colluding to manipulate polluting emissions of diesel cars in the country. The ministerial-level central administrative organization will impose a combined fine of 42.3 billion won (around $33.48 million with the current exchange rates).
According to Automotive News, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) fined Mercedes 20.7 billion won, BMW 15.7 billion won, and Audi 6 billion won. Interestingly, Volkswagen wasn’t given a financial fine as it didn’t earn revenue relevant to the issue. The organization said the collusion reduced competition and restricted consumer choice.