The RHA is to launch legal action against the major truck manufacturers, after they were found guilty by the European Commission of price fixing and fined €2.9bn (£2.5bn).

The RHA said that after legal advice it would now pursue the case for compensation.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the RHA, said: “We consider ourselves duty-bound to acknowledge and act upon our members’ wishes.

“They have made it clear that they feel aggrieved at the news of a truck pricing cartel and are looking to us to represent them.

“Last week, the association’s board of directors met to discuss the EC’s £2.5bn fine. Their unanimous decision was that the association should progress compensation claims on behalf of its members.”

RHA national chairman Jim French, director of PD Portcentric Logistics, said that it was a serious issue for an industry that works on tight margins where trucks are typically the largest capital investment made.

“The process for such a large number of interested parties is complex but we have been in discussions with our legal advisors so that we can progress the matter further.

"I wish to make clear that the RHA will not, itself, be benefiting from any financial action," French said.

He added that the RHA was keen to maintain the amicable and close working relationship it has always enjoyed with the truck manufacturers.

Last month, the EC found that MAN, Volvo Group, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and Daf broke EU antitrust rules by forming a cartel to discuss the coordination of factory prices for trucks; timings for the introduction of emissions technology; and passing on the cost of such technology to customers.

An investigation into Scania’s involvement continues. The truck maker has since made a provision.

The truck manufacturers have since responded to the verdict.

Topics