16.06.2026 12:30
A record total fine of 3 billion 633 million liras was imposed on major brands operating in the automotive tire sector for violating competition. While it was determined that price fixing and intervention in the labor market occurred in the sector, companies were given 3 months to change their operations.
The Competition Authority, which has completed its long-standing comprehensive investigations in the automotive tire sector, has imposed a record fine on the market's major players. Global and domestic companies found to have engaged in price fixing, imposed unlawful restrictions on dealers, and interfered with the labor market by hindering employee rights have been fined a total of 3 billion 633 million Turkish lira in administrative penalties.
The authority has granted the companies identified as disrupting market operations a period of 3 months to rectify their dealership systems and operating procedures. The distribution of fines based on company size and severity of violations determined as a result of the investigation for competition infringements is as follows:
- Brisa: 1 billion 19 million TL
- Goodyear: 672 million TL
- Continental: 397 million TL
- Hankook: 361 million TL
- Pirelli: 292 million TL
- Prometeon: 206 million TL
- Michelin: 185 million TL
PRICE AGREEMENT EXPOSED
In the meticulously conducted investigation by the Competition Authority, it was determined that rival companies exhibited coordinated price movements (concerted action) to protect their market shares and profit margins. Additionally, it was revealed that the companies exchanged competitively sensitive information among themselves in the labor market and signed "no-poach" agreements to prevent employees from moving to other brands under better conditions. Numerous other irregularities that disrupted market balance, such as pressure on dealers, regional sales restrictions, and forced resale price determination, were also included in the investigation file.
NEW RULES FOR THE SECTOR
To prevent monopolization and secret price alliances in the market, the Competition Authority has introduced radical new rules for the sector. According to the decisions:
- All price lists sent to dealers must be watermarked.
- Price announcements cannot be shared collectively in any way.
- Each dealer can only access the system with their own private user account.
The tire giants facing these sanctions must officially document that they have implemented these new transparent regulations within 3 months. Otherwise, much heavier penalties await the companies.