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The Turkish Competition Authority has fined tire manufacturers Brisa and Goodyear a combined ₺1.69 billion ($36.6 million) following an investigation into the automotive tire production and distribution sector.
The investigation covered 17 companies, focusing on claims of competition-sensitive information sharing, anti-competitive agreements, and resale price maintenance. It also examined dealer-related violations, including regional and customer restrictions, exclusivity agreements, and non-compete obligations.
The Competition Authority, Türkiye's antitrust regulator, launched a preliminary review into tire production and distribution companies in March 2024. After finding the initial evidence serious and sufficient, it opened a formal investigation on Dec. 5, 2024.
Brisa Bridgestone Sabanci Lastik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. and Goodyear Lastikleri T.A.S. later disclosed the penalties through the Public Disclosure Platform, known as KAP, where publicly traded companies in Türkiye announce market-sensitive information.
Brisa said the Competition Authority imposed an administrative fine of ₺1.019 billion.
The company said the detailed decision would be sent separately. It also noted that if the fine is paid within the legal period, a 25% early-payment discount could bring the amount down to ₺764.3 million.
Brisa added that it had already set aside ₺392 million in its financial statements for the investigation.
Goodyear said it received a total administrative fine of ₺672.3 million under three different headings.
The first fine, worth ₺336.1 million, concerned allegations that some tire producers, including Goodyear, were involved in concerted practices over pricing behavior.
Two additional fines, each worth ₺168.1 million, were imposed over claims related to regional and customer restrictions within Goodyear's dealer network and alleged anti-competitive information exchange or no-poach agreements in the labor market.
Goodyear said it would evaluate the detailed decision after receiving it and use all legal rights, including taking the matter to court. The company also said it could benefit from the 25% early-payment discount if the penalties are paid within the legal period.
The wider investigation involved producers, distributors and dealers active in Türkiye's automotive tire sector. The companies named in the case included Brisa, Michelin, Otomotiv Lastikleri Tevzi, Abdulkadir Ozcan, Pirelli, Prometeon Turkey, Goodyear, Hankook, Tatko and several tire dealers.
The penalties announced by Brisa and Goodyear mark the first disclosed outcomes from the Competition Authority's investigation into the sector.
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