An investigation by the UK’s Office for Fair Trading (OFT) into suspected commercial vehicle cartel activity, has resulted in the offices of Mercedes-Benz being visited by the body.
Separately, one person has also been arrested and released on police bail.
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The OFT says it is looking at suspected cartel activity at more than one commercial vehicle manufacturer in the UK under the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Competition Act 1998.
“We confirm we visited the premises of Mercedes-Benz in the UK and separately that an individual was arrested as part of this investigation,” an OFT spokesman told just-auto. “This is a very early stage in the investigation. I can’t give any indication of timing.”
The OFT has civil and criminal power to investigate.
A statement from the body added: “The OFT will not be in a position to conclude whether it considers the law has been infringed until it has completed its investigations and assessed the available evidence.”
Mercedes-Benz UK confirmed the OFT visited its Tongwell offices as part of its investigations into the UK commercial vehicle market.
“In that context the OFT carried out an on-site investigation at its offices,” the manufacturer added in a statement. “Of course Mercedes-Benz is fully cooperating with the investigation which may take many months or more to complete.
“Due to the ongoing legal process the company is unable to comment further.”
