Oct 19 (Reuters) – Italian carmaker DR Automobiles is under antitrust investigation for allegedly misleading consumers about where its DR and EVO brand cars are manufactured, the company said on Tuesday. The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) made the announcement on Thursday.
According to AGCM, the company misrepresented information about the countries in which some of its models were manufactured, both on its corporate website and in its advertising campaigns.
Headquartered in the southern Italian region of Molise, DR assembles low-cost cars, including all-electric vehicles, in Italy using parts imported from Chinese automakers Chery, JAC and BAIC.
DR and EVO sold approximately 24,200 units in Italy in the first nine months of 2023, an increase of 48% year-on-year and a market share of 2%.
The watchdog said in a statement that AGCM and Italian tax office officials inspected the headquarters of DR Automobiles and its parent company Donington Srl.
“In some cases, relevant information about (the vehicle’s) origin may be omitted, giving the impression that the vehicle was produced in China, and in other cases suggesting that it was produced entirely in Italy,” AGCM said. said.
DR Automobile did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reporting by Romolo Tosiani, Giulio Piovaccari and Alvise Armellini; Editing by Federico Maccioni/Keith Weir
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