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Brazil Fines Denso $19.5 Million for Role in Auto Parts Cartel

By  |  June 10, 2026
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Brazil’s antitrust watchdog Cade has fined Japanese auto parts manufacturer Denso Corporation 100.8 million reais (about $19.5 million) for its involvement in a cartel linked to the market for wire harnesses and automotive electrical and electronic components.

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    According to Reuters, the case stems from an investigation launched in 2015 by Cade’s general superintendency. The probe involved 22 companies and 89 individuals suspected of participating in anti-competitive practices in the sector.

    Denso, the world’s second-largest auto parts supplier, was found to have taken part in a cartel that allegedly operated between 2000 and 2008. Cade said in a statement that the companies involved coordinated activities including price-fixing, project allocation, geographic market division, and the exchange of competitively sensitive information.

    Per Reuters, Cade concluded that the conduct distorted competition in the automotive components market and ultimately harmed consumers. The case rapporteur said Denso’s actions negatively affected buyers, who ended up paying higher prices for vehicles containing the cartelized components.

    The Brazilian regulator said Denso has 30 days from the publication of the decision in the official gazette to pay the fine.

    According to Reuters, representatives of Denso did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the ruling.

    Source: Reuters