More tire makers confirm inspections in EC market probe

London – A number of European tire makers have now confirmed that they have been inspected as part of a European Commission (EC) investigation of the tire market.

Bridgestone and Goodyear are the latest to provide statements confirming that representatives of the European Commission had conducted an inspection at its EMEA headquarters.

The EC officials' visit to Bridgestone's HQ in Zaventem, Belgium, it said 1 Feb, is "part of an industry-wide investigation targeting various tyre manufacturing companies in Europe.

"As a responsible company that is committed to fair practices and transparency, Bridgestone is fully cooperating."

Goodyear, meanwhile, stated: “We confirm that our European offices were subject to unannounced, industry-wide inspections by the European authorities.

"It is too early to speculate as to what exactly may have happened, but we are cooperating fully with the authorities.”

In separate statements provided 31 Jan to ERJ, Pirelli and Continental also confirmed being inspected as part of the EC anti-trust investigation.

As announced by the EC, the probe is focused on the supply of new replacement tires for passenger cars, vans, trucks and buses sold in the European Economic Area.

In its statement, Pirelli said it ‘confirmed’ the correctness of its own conduct and that “it has always acted in full compliance with the law and regulations.”

The Italian tire maker added that it would provide “full support” to the authorities in the context of the ongoing investigation.

German tire maker Continental also confirmed that “investigations by European antitrust authorities are taking place at Continental in Germany.”

Finnish tire maker Nokian has also confirmed being investigated as part of the process.

The Commission launched its probe into potential cartel activities by tire makers on 30 Jan. (ERJ report)

According to the Commission, unannounced inspections are a preliminary investigatory step into suspected anti-competitive practices.

The fact that the EC carries out such inspections, however, “does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.”

ERJ is awaiting replies from other tire manufacturers with regard to the EC investigation.