Stellantis' 771 million-euro ($854 million) lawsuit against two safety equipment manufacturers, Autoliv and ZF/TRW, commenced on Tuesday in London. The European automaker contends that prolonged cartel activities resulted in overcharging for approximately ten years. Formed through the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, Stellantis is seeking damages from Autoliv and ZF/TRW for allegedly inflating prices on seatbelts, airbags, and steering wheels.
Sweden's Autoliv and TRW, acquired by German competitor ZF Friedrichshafen in 2014, were identified by the European Commission as participants in cartels involving products sold to Japanese and European car manufacturers. In 2019, the two companies were fined 368.3 million euros for cartel activities affecting some European car producers, with a Japanese subsidiary of Autoliv also fined for cartels involving supplies to Japanese automakers.
Stellantis asserts that the cartel practices extended beyond the limited findings of the European Commission. Colin West, Stellantis' lawyer, stated in court documents that it is 'inherently unlikely' that Autoliv and ZF/TRW's cartels impacted some carmakers without affecting Stellantis' brands. However, Autoliv and ZF/TRW argue that the European Commission thoroughly investigated the sector over several years, with the companies' cooperation, and found no evidence that Stellantis was targeted by the cartel.
The companies' legal representatives maintain that there was no collusion beyond what was uncovered by the European Commission, and any overcharge, if it existed, was passed on by Stellantis to its customers. The trial at the Competition Appeal Tribunal is anticipated to span five weeks.
