Millions of UK motorists who claim they overpaid for their cars due to a price-fixing scheme involving several vehicle shipping companies have reached a £37.8 million ($47.8 million) settlement. This settlement, which precedes a trial set for January, is part of an opt-out class action lawsuit filed against two major shipping carriers. Lawyers representing the affected group announced the settlement on Tuesday.
Scott + Scott UK LLP, the law firm leading the case, confirmed the settlement agreements with two key defendants: Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a Norwegian carrier, and its subsidiary Eukor, which agreed to pay £24.5 million. The Japanese shipping company, “K” Line, settled for £13.25 million. This brings the total settlements in the case to nearly £40 million, following previous settlements with other defendants, including a £1.5 million settlement with a Chilean carrier in 2023.
The settlements represent the largest amount ever secured in a class action case in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), though the agreements are still subject to approval in a CAT hearing scheduled for Thursday.
