The European Commission has formally notified six automotive starter battery manufacturers and one trade association of its preliminary findings that they may have violated EU antitrust laws by colluding to raise prices for automotive starter batteries sold to car producers in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The companies involved include Banner, Clarios (formerly JC Autobatterie), Exide, FET (and its predecessor Elettra), and Rombat, along with the trade association Eurobat and its service provider Kellen. The Commission's concerns center on the period from 2004 to 2017, during which these manufacturers allegedly collaborated to create and implement the 'Eurobat Premium System'—a pricing index used in negotiations with car producers.

This alleged collusion aimed to fix a significant component of the final price of automotive starter batteries, which are essential for starting combustion engine vehicles and powering their electrical systems. The Commission's investigation suggests that Eurobat and Kellen were not only aware of this conduct but also played an active role in facilitating it.

If the Commission's preliminary findings are substantiated, the actions of these companies would constitute a breach of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement, both of which prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.

The issuance of a Statement of Objections marks a critical step in the Commission's investigation process, allowing the involved parties to review the evidence, respond in writing, and request an oral hearing. Should the Commission find sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, it could impose fines of up to 10% of the companies' annual global turnover.

The duration of the investigation is uncertain and will depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation from the companies involved. The Commission has a history of investigating and penalizing cartels in the automotive sector, having previously fined suppliers for various anticompetitive practices.