Peugeot: the Austrian decision heavy with consequences?
Peugeot had decided to appeal the Austrian decision on the business obstacle with its network of distributors.The call finally confirmed the first sentence, and that could ...
08/07/2022
Peugeot had decided to appeal the Austrian decision on the business obstacle with its network of distributors.The call finally confirmed the first sentence, and this could, why not, serve as an example for other networks of distributors of Stellantis.
Everything started from the complaint of a concessionaire who believed that Peugeot imposed far too hard rules on the network of distributors, with unattainable objectives, mystery investigations billed at a high price or even premiums evaluated according to the notes of surveyscustomer satisfaction.
"Peugeot Austria applies unilateral restrictions on the freedom to fix the prices vis-à-vis car dealerships and economically obliges dealers to participate in the manufacturer's price campaigns. This would unacceptably restrict freedom of pricing for end customers".A concessionaire is only free and independent if it can set its own prices.Otherwise, he is an agent, "said the concessionaire's lawyer.
The first decision in May 2020 was confirmed on appeal by the Austrian authority which deals with competition.The judgment specifies that Peugeot has three months to produce a new agreement with its distributors, and, above all, that the contracts must be verified and reviewed throughout the Stellantis group, and not only in Austria, but throughout Europe.