Daimler Cuts Parts Prices in China

Daimler AG says its Mercedes-Benz brand will lower prices in China an average 15% on 10,000 replacement parts, beginning Sept. 1. The cuts come a month after the company announced it is dropping prices on maintenance and repair fees in the country.

Both reductions are in response to pressure from China's National Development and Reform Commission, which is investigating possible price-gouging under an anti-monopoly law the country enacted in 2008.

Last week Audi said it would slash parts prices as much as 38%. Jaguar Land Rover announced price cuts on three low-volume models.

It remains unclear whether such voluntary cutbacks will spare the companies hefty fines similar to those levied recently against foreign companies in other industries.