The evidences were provided by Leniency Agreement signed in 2024 by CADE.
The Office of the Superintendent-General (SG/CADE)—the investigative arm of CADE— launched an administrative proceeding to examine an alleged violation of the economic order in the International Market of light vehicles for passenger.
SG/CADE investigates six companies and 23 individuals, that are alleged to have exchaged competitively sensitive information, with the aim of coordinate their research and development activities.
This is the first time, in Brazil, that the Competition Authority investigates competitors for trying to reduce competition in innovation by institucionalized sensitive information exchange.
Upon launching the administrative proceeding, the defendants will be notified to present their defenses. At the end of the investigation, the Office of the Superintendent General issues an opinion on the conviction or dismissal of the case. Subsequently, the investigative body will submit it to the Tribunal of CADE for granting a final decision.
In case of conviction, the companies are subject to fines ranging from 0.1 % to 20 % of their revenue and additional penalties. The individual can be subject of fines ranging from R$ 50 thousand to R$ 2 billion. If part of the Directive Body, individuals can be subject of fines ranging from 1% to 20% of the fine applied to their company.
The authority grants total immunity from fines provided the signatory fulfils all leniency obligations by the end of the proceeding.
Process No. 08700.000478/2024-30 is public.
Source: Gov.br
