Top regulator probes 12 Japanese firms in anti-monopoly move

The National Development and Reform Commission said on Wednesday it has completed an investigation into the monopolistic practices by 12 Japanese makers of auto parts and bearing in China, and are ready to impose penalties on them.

The 12 companies, whose names are yet to be disclosed, are the latest batch to get caught up in China's anti-trust sweep that has brought down at least two auto companies recently.

Li Pumin, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a briefing that following an auto industry-wide probe that started in 2011, the authority has found evidence of Audi and Chrysler being involved in monopoly, and is still investigating Mercedes-Benz, whose Shanghai office just received a surprise visit from the commission on Monday.

All of the three companies have announced price cuts for their vehicles or spare parts recently as the authority closed in on their cases.