UPDATE: Poland antitrust regulator fines PLN 405 mln KIA Polska and its dealers
Poland's antitrust and consumer protection regulator UOKiK has imposed a PLN 405 million (EUR 94.6 mln) fine on KIA Polska and 11 of the company's dealers, UOKiK said in a statement. It was reported that the entrepreneurs colluded on car prices and divided the market among themselves.
As a result of the collusion, buyers lost the opportunity to purchase KIA vehicles from dealers of their choice at competitive prices. In addition, fines of over PLN 1.5 million (EUR 350,550) were also received by five individuals who were directly responsible for the prohibited arrangements.
The highest fine - over PLN 331 million (EUR 77.4 mln) - was received by KIA Polska. Fines were also received by five individuals in managerial positions at four companies: KIA Polska (two individuals), Wrobud, Landcar and Marvel. The evidence gathered showed that they had directly caused the infringement by their actions.
"KIA Polska kept a close eye on compliance with the unauthorised arrangements and, during regular visits to dealers' showrooms, as well as by email, admonished dealers who sold vehicles at prices lower than those agreed," UOKiK said.
"The dealers themselves also informed KIA Poland and each other if any of them failed to comply with the illegally concluded agreement," it added.
KIA Polska said in a press statement on the matter that it disagrees with the allegations and findings of the UOKiK.
"Kia Polska does not agree with the allegations and findings made by the UOKiK and intends to defend itself using all available legal means. We are refraining from commenting further on this case until it is legally concluded," it wrote.
"We assure our customers and business partners that the decision will not affect our daily operations," it added.
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