25/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - Spot checks at car exhaust factories. On 25 March, the European Commission confirmed that it has carried out unannounced spot checks of companies manufacturing car exhaust systems in several member states. This was a preliminary step in investigating suspected anti-competitive practices and does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission fears that the companies, whose names have not been revealed, may have violated EU anti-trust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices and/or abuse of a dominant market position (Articles 101 and 102 respectively of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). (EL)