A Chilean car shipping company was referred to the Competition Tribunal of South Africa for prosecution for collusive tendering, price fixing and market division. Compania Sud Americana De Vapores S.A (CSAV) has allegedly breached the Competition Act in respect of tenders issued by Ford Motor Company, according to a statement issued by the Competition Commission South Africa.
Specifically, CSAV was accused of conspiracy with Japanese Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), in shipping Ford motor vehicles from South Africa to Europe and the Mediterranean, including North Africa.
In addition, in 2015 CSAV was fined with a ZAR 8.8 million (USD 613,792) penalty due to a consent agreement with the commission in respect of a similar tender issued by General Motors.
Despite allegations, CSAV denied involvement in the Ford tender.
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Up to today, four companies have been fined with more than ZAR 310 million in administrative penalties in this matter.
From 2015 to 2018, NYK, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) and Eukor Car Carriers admitted collusion and settled with the commission.
In 2017, the commission accused Hoegh Autoliners Holdings to the Tribunal for prosecution on seven charges of cartel conduct on similar shipping tenders issued by several motor manufacturers.
Concluding, MOL was granted leniency for its involvement in the cartel conduct in exchange for information and full cooperation in the matter.
