Background on the Case and Alleged Cartel Activities
The class action was initiated after a 2018 European Commission decision, which fined the implicated companies €395 million ($415 million) for violating competition law. The European Commission found that five vehicle shipping companies had engaged in coordinated price-fixing, reduced market capacity, and exchanged sensitive information to manipulate the prices of intercontinental vehicle shipping between 2006 and 2015.
The collective opt-out claim, led by consumer advocate Mark McLaren, represents UK consumers who bought approximately 17 million vehicles during that period. The claimants allege that these individuals and businesses were overcharged for their cars because of the cartel’s illegal activities, which affected the cost of shipping new vehicles into the UK.
Positive Developments and Impact of the Settlement
Belinda Hollway, a partner at Scott + Scott UK LLP, expressed optimism about the in-principle settlement, calling it a “very positive development” for the class members. Hollway also emphasized that the settlement demonstrates the momentum of the claim, which will continue as it moves forward toward the trial against the remaining defendants in January.
