European antitrust authorities, led by the European Commission, have launched investigations into several tire manufacturers. Reports from RIA Novosti, citing an EC update, indicate that the inquiries involve companies suspected of breaching European competition rules. The scope of the checks appears broad, touching the market for tires used on passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses across the European Economic Area. The EC document notes the ongoing scrutiny and signals that officials are examining potential anti-competitive practices within the tire sector.
The European Commission is reported to be looking into possible price fixing among tire producers. At this time, the commission has not disclosed which specific tire firms are undergoing inspection, and no findings have been publicly released. The absence of company names in the report leaves room for uncertainty while the investigation proceeds and officials collect evidence to determine whether any unlawful coordination occurred in setting tire prices or other terms of trade across member states.
In related market research, Russian respondents were asked about perceptions of Iranian automobiles. A previous survey found that nearly half of Russian residents view Iranian-made cars as trustworthy options. Today, awareness remains mixed: roughly one-third of respondents know that Iranian vehicles can be purchased in Russia, while about two-thirds have not heard of this possibility. Among those aware of Iranian cars, around 16 percent cited a favorable price-to-value balance, and about 12 percent highlighted affordability as a key advantage. Conversely, 29 percent did not see notable benefits, and 47 percent stated they did not know the benefits of Iranian automobiles, underscoring a mostly ambivalent or uncertain consumer sentiment in the market.
Earlier reports also noted declines in the price of certain vehicle models in Russia during January, signaling shifting affordability dynamics in the broader automotive sector. Market observers continue to monitor how pricing movements, import policies, and consumer interest in non-traditional brands interact with evolving supply chains and regulatory developments across the region.