Brussels, 29/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has announced that one month ago, it sent a statement of objections to the car manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroen (upon receipt of which, PSA will have two months to submit its comments). The Commission is said to be accusing the French group of anti-competitive practices, which are not in conformity with the group exemption regulation for the automotive sector. According to spokesperson Tilman Lueder, the manufacturer is not paying all of the premium when a franchise-holder sells a car abroad. With this premium, which is only paid in full for cars registered in the same country as the franchisee, the company is said to be slowing down sales to individuals in States where prices are lower. If in the case of German car manufacturer Audi (see EUROPE of 13 July), the practice in question concerns cross-supplies between franchisees, the Peugeot case is "more classic", said Mr Lueder, in that it involves supply to the end customer. A source close to the dossier indicated that the Dutch and Germany markets are targeted, following inspections carried out in April 2003 in these countries, and in France. Even though these practices appear to have ended in 2001 in Germany and 2003 in the Netherlands, the manufacturer risks being fined, said this same source. Previously, manufacturers like Opel and DaimlerChrysler, which stopped consumers from taking advantage of the single market and differences in car prices, have been subjected to fines of 43 million and 72 million EUR respectively.