The Scotsman: UK drivers could be owed £150m compensation over inflated delivery charges.
UK motorists and businesses who bought a new car between 2006 and 2015 could be in line for compensation after five shipping firms were fined for price fixing.
A class-action claim has been launched following accusations that five major lines responsible for transporting cars for manufacturers colluded to carve up the market and keep prices artificially high.
An estimated 80 per cent of people and companies who bought or leased a car, van or light or medium commercial vehicle between October 2006 and September 2015 could be eligible for a pay-out.
Shipping Cartel
The claim stems from a ruling by the European Commission (EC) which found carriers MOL, “K” Line, NYK, WWL/EUKOR and CSAV were involved in a cartel that fixed prices, divided customers between them to ensure they each kept certain customers and routes, and reduced capacity in deep sea car carrier services.
That pushed up prices for major brands including BMW, Citroen, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen, which in turn, the claim argues, affected prices for end buyers.
02 March 2020