Bosch Admits Role in Spark Plug Cartel in Brazil

Robert Bosch GmbH confirms it colluded with Japan's NGK Spark Plug Co. to fix the price of spark plugs in Brazil.

Bosch says an internal investigation uncovered evidence about the cartel, and it has reported the wrongdoing to Brazilian antitrust authorities. The country's antitrust agency says it began investigating Bosch in July. Under Brazilian law, the first member of a cartel to admit wrongdoing qualifies for more lenient punishment.

NGK has not commented. In July the Japanese company pleaded guilty to fixing spark plug prices in the U.S. and agreed to pay a $52 million (€40 million) fine.