The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has confirmed it is still investigating two further alleged infringements of competition law, as part of the investigation it began in 2010 into Mercedes-Benz UK and five of its commercial vehicle dealers.
Last week the OFT revealed it had reached a settlement with Mercedes-Benz and four of its CV dealers – Blackburn-based Ciceley Commercials, Warrington-based Enza Motors, Liverpool-based Road Range and Bradford-based Northside Truck and Van - after they admitted infringing competition law.
Mercedez-Benz, Ciceley, Enza and Road Range face combined penalties of £2.6m. However, Northside is likely to avoid a fine due to its role as whistleblower. You can see their reaction to the hearing here.
Ongoing investigation
Despite the settlement, the OFT has said that it continues to look into two more cases involving “a different mix of [these] companies”. However, the OFT would not confirm which of the six firms are still involved.
A spokesman for the organisation told Motortransport.co.uk: “The other cases are not part of this settlement and are continuing under our normal processes."
The OFT currently anticipates bringing its investigation to a conclusion within the next two months, added the spokesman.
Immingham-based H&L Garages, which was named in the OFT's Statement of Objections last year as one of the six firms, has since gone into liquidation.
