ANKARA, Türkiye — June 16, 2026
Türkiye’s Competition Authority has imposed a total of TRY 3.633 billion ($approximately 92 million) in administrative fines on leading automotive tire manufacturers and distributors following a comprehensive antitrust investigation into the sector. The regulator found evidence of coordinated pricing practices, anti-competitive restrictions on dealers, and conduct that limited competition in the labor market.
The largest penalty was levied against Brisa, which received a fine of approximately TRY 1.019 billion. Other major companies sanctioned include Goodyear with TRY 672 million, Continental with TRY 397 million, Hankook with TRY 361 million, Pirelli with TRY 292 million, Prometeon with TRY 206 million, and Michelin with TRY 185 million.
Investigation Findings
According to the Competition Authority, the investigation uncovered indications that rival companies engaged in coordinated behavior regarding pricing movements. Authorities also examined allegations that firms exchanged competitively sensitive information related to employment practices and implemented measures restricting employee mobility between companies.
The regulator further found evidence that some suppliers influenced dealers’ resale prices and imposed territorial and customer restrictions that could limit competition within distribution networks.
New Compliance Requirements
In addition to financial penalties, the Competition Authority introduced several compliance obligations for companies operating in the sector. Dealers must receive watermarked price lists, mass distribution of commercial announcements will be restricted, and dealer access to company systems must be limited to individual user accounts. Companies have been given three months to demonstrate compliance with the new rules.
Investigation Began in 2024
The case originated from a preliminary inquiry launched in March 2024 into the automotive tire production and distribution market. After reviewing evidence related to information sharing among competitors, resale price maintenance, customer allocation practices, and other potentially restrictive agreements, the Competition Board opened a full-scale investigation in December 2024 covering 17 companies across the industry.
The decision marks one of the largest competition-law penalties imposed on Türkiye’s automotive tire sector and reflects the regulator’s broader efforts to combat cartel-like behavior and strengthen market competition.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök