22.02.2025 10:20
The Italian Competition Authority has launched four investigations into BYD Industria Italia s.r.l., Stellantis Europe S.p.A., Tesla Italy s.r.l., and Volkswagen Group Italia S.p.A. on suspicion of unfair commercial practices. Investigations are being conducted regarding unfair commercial practices against these four electric vehicle manufacturers.
As global trade competition gives way to conflict, one of the most important elements of this war is the automotive sector. While the automotive industries are the subject of sanctions in the chip crisis led by the USA and China, this time Italy has taken a step that will be widely discussed.
The Italian Competition Authority has initiated legal action against American Tesla, Chinese BYD, German Volkswagen, and Stellantis, which includes brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel. As part of the initiated investigation, information provided to consumers regarding potential violations of the Consumer Law related to EV driving range, battery capacity degradation, and limitations on standard battery warranties in vehicles produced by these companies will be examined.
ATTENTION TO MISLEADING INFORMATION
The statement from the Italian Competition Authority included the following remarks: In particular, it appears that the companies' websites display general and sometimes contradictory information regarding the driving range of the marketed electric vehicles without explaining which factors affect the maximum range advertised and to what extent they affect the actual range.
Additionally, it seems that the companies' websites are unable to provide clear and complete information to consumers regarding battery capacity degradation resulting from normal vehicle use and the terms/limitations applied to the standard battery warranty.
An inspection was carried out yesterday at the facilities of BYD Industria Italia s.r.l., Stellantis Europe S.p.A., Tesla Italy s.r.l., and Volkswagen Group Italia S.p.A., supported by the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) Special Antitrust Unit.