The Bundeskartellamt, Germany’s market watchdog, has accused Google of potentially anti-competitive activity by providing vehicle makers a bundle-only deal for in-car infotainment systems. According to the regulator, Google’s unwillingness to provide third-party access to its services may affect other map service providers. According to the authorities, Google’s dominance in the mobile software sector may disadvantage other enterprises.
The Bundeskartellamt also stated that Google imposes severe conditions of use on automakers, which may further limit competition. This move follows Google’s prior run-ins with regulators over bundling practices, including a 2018 case in which the European Commission fined the corporation €4.34 billion for using Android to bolster its search monopoly.
Andreas Mundt, the head of the German competition authority, raised alarm about Google’s bundle-only strategy, claiming that it limits competitors’ ability to provide their services individually. The action by the Bundeskartellamt falls under Section 19a of the GWB, which allows for early involvement in areas where individual enterprises have extensive power and can possibly impair fair competition. According to Google, there is tremendous competition in the connected car industry, with car makers having a variety of options and not being required to utilize Google’s services.
