Competition law expert Miles Trower, of law firm TLT, says the Office of Fair Trading’s action against Mercedes Benz and five of its commercial vehicle dealers ‘reflects the seriousness’ of the alleged infringements.

The OFT recently set out its case against Mercedes Benz and CV dealers Cicely Commercials, Enza Motors, H&L Garages, Northside Truck & Van and Road Range.

It relates to five suspected infringements, each involving two or three dealers, concerning market sharing, price fixing and/or the exchange of competitively sensitive information.

Trower commented: "While these provisional findings should not pre-judge the final outcome of this case, this latest development reflects the seriousness with which the OFT views these types of infringements, even where some of the businesses involved are small.

“The automotive sector is under considerable scrutiny at the moment. It is therefore vital that all businesses – large and small – have a clear understanding of how competition law applies to them, as well as robust compliance procedures in place."