Honeywell, DuPont car refrigerant deal may be illegal, EU says

Posted on 10/23/2014 3:26:16 PM

American chemical supplier Honeywell DuPont joint venture to produce automotive air conditioning systems of the new refrigerant to meet the new environmental standards may be anti-competitive, the European Commission said that after nearly three years of the probe.

The committee said the new refrigerant called R1234yf agreement between the two companies can prevent competitors interested in participating in its development and production.

The refrigerant, which is designed to comply with the EU directive aimed at reducing car use air conditioning systems of fluorinated greenhouse gases, the EU regulators have faced against Germany and domestic car makers Daimler .

Last month, the Commission ordered the German Daimler refused to stop supporting the use of the refrigerant has a high "global warming potential" than the product of Honeywell, DuPont for two months, or face legal action and possible fine.

Daimler sales in France in 2013 was blocked temporarily in the use of the old coolant. French Court later overturned the suspension.

New R1234yf coolant has been used in about 2 million cars worldwide.

When Honeywell and DuPont announced the establishment of new manufacturing joint venture coolant worldwide, construction and operation, they said, have developed products, but the common market and will be sold separately.

"Going into 2010 ... cooperation might limit its development in the [coolant R1234yf] The availability and technology, in violation of EU antitrust rules," the Commission said in a statement Tuesday.

Objections or so-called declaration of his indictment, exposing their business concerns.

Honeywell rejects these allegations, saying that it has complied with EU rules.

"The allegations made in the statement of objections are unfounded and conflicts with the very laws of the EU to promote the development of cooperation," he said in a statement.

DuPont said he was disappointed with the initiative of the Commission, which will vigorously defend your case. DuPont "will of each step in the battle, because it has no basis in law or fact," said an e-mailed statement. DuPont "at any time to comply with applicable laws," the development and marketing of chemicals, said.

The company may request a hearing to argue his case closed. If found guilty, he could face up to its global turnover of 10% of the fine.

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