BMW headquarters in Munich raided by antitrust investigators

BMW headquarters in Munich were raided by antitrust investigators in a surprise raid, as part of an investigation into possible illegal collusion among German automakers, the company acknowledged on Friday.

European antitrust authorities said in July that they were looking into allegations that Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW conspired to hold down prices of crucial technology, which could include emissions equipment.

Commentators say the raid, which was conducted on Monday and came to light yesterday, was a sign that the investigation - which had not led to any formal charges might be intensifying.

BMW tried to distance itself from any possibility of involvement in the emissions scandal that has badly dented Volkswagen's reputation and spread to other carmakers.

''The BMW Group wishes to make clear the distinction between potential violations of antitrust law on the one hand and illegal manipulation of exhaust gas treatment on the other hand,'' the company said. ''The BMW Group has not been accused of the latter.''

In a related development, Daimler said yesterday that it had offered to provide evidence about the suspected conspiracy to antitrust investigators in return for lower penalties. The EC can under its so-called leniency policy, reduce the fines imposed on companies if they volunteered information.

Meanwhile, without naming the company, the European Commission said, it "can confirm that as of October 16, 2017 its officials carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of a car manufacturer in Germany".

According to a statement, the inspection related to "concerns that several German car manufacturers may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices."

"The inspection is linked to complaints against five auto companies that were reported in the media last July," BMW said in a statement, which confirmed the raids but denied any manipulation of diesel emissions.