ACM compels car tire dealers to display correct prices

Following a recent check, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) established that not all car tire dealers include all unavoidable costs in their prices still. ACM had set a deadline for these dealers so they could adjust their prices. Most dealers subsequently did so. Despite repeated reminders, the company www.autoanders.nl refused to adjust its prices. Only after ACM had imposed an order subject to periodic penalty payments, did it adjust its prices on its website. The company currently displays prices that include the recycling fee (or environmental handling fee), which means it does not have to pay any penalty payments.

Clear pricing

Previously, ACM called car tire dealers to account for the way in which they displayed their prices. According to the rules, all unavoidable costs (including the recycling fee in the case of tires) have to be included in the price. If the mounting of the tires is part of the offer, the price of the tire must include the mounting costs. The Dutch trade associations VACO (for the tire industry), BOVAG (for car dealers) and tire recycling organization RecyBEM were actively involved in this process. ACM wants prices to be transparent for consumers. With clear prices, consumers are able to compare services and products easier. This promotes fair competition between businesses.