DR Automobiles S.r.l. deceptively indicated Italy instead of China in commercial communications as the place of production of the cars marketed under the DR and EVO brands. Furthermore, together with its subsidiary DR Service & Parts S.r.l., it did not ensure an adequate supply of spare parts or an appropriate after-sales service.


The Italian Competition Authority fined DR Automobiles S.r.l. and its subsidiary DR Service & Parts S.r.l. EUR 6 million for two unfair commercial practices. The Authority ascertained that DR Automobiles, in the context of messages and/or commercial communications spread at least as of December 2021 through various channels, indicated Italy as the origin and place of actual production of the cars marketed under the DR and EVO brands. However, these are vehicles produced in China, except for marginal finishing and completion works. The deceptive practice coincided with a period of significant sales of DR and EVO branded cars on the Italian market. 


The investigation also ascertained that DR Service & Parts S.r.l. and DR Automobiles S.r.l., at least as from 2022, did not guarantee an adequate supply of spare parts or even an appropriate after-sales service, through the network of authorised dealers and/or workshops, which - among other things - were not provided with appropriate technical training. This practice may hinder the exercise of consumer rights, including the right to have the car repaired and to obtain appropriate after-sales service, including under the legal guarantee of conformity of the purchased product.


The Authority ruled that the two companies should, within 60 days of notification of the measure, communicate the steps they have taken to put an end to this unlawful conduct.

Italian Competition Authority Imposes €6 Million Fine on DR Automobiles for Deceptive Practices

The Italian Competition Authority fined DR Automobiles S.r.l. and its subsidiary DR Service & Parts S.r.l. a total of EUR 6 million for engaging in two unfair commercial practices. The companies falsely indicated Italy as the production location of cars marketed under the DR and EVO brands, which were actually manufactured in China with only minor finishing done in Italy.

 Additionally, the investigation revealed that DR Service & Parts S.r.l. and DR Automobiles S.r.l. failed to ensure a sufficient supply of spare parts and adequate after-sales service, potentially impeding consumer rights, including the right to repair and receive proper after-sales support.

 The Italian Competition Authority mandated that the companies must report the corrective actions taken within 60 days to address the deceptive practices and lack of after-sales service.



Italian Competition Authority Imposes €6 Million Fine on DR Automobiles for Deceptive Practices

DR Automobiles S.r.l. and its subsidiary fined for falsely claiming Italy as the production place of cars and failing to provide adequate after-sales service.