Germany: Issued Federal Cartel Office statement of objections to Google regarding its practices in connection with Google Automotive Services and Google Maps Platform

On 21 June 2023, the Federal Cartel Office (FCO) issued a statement of objections to Google regarding its practices in connection with Google Automotive Services and Google Maps Platform as part of its investigation into alleged anticompetitive practices. The Google Automotive Services (GAS) is a collection of products licensed by Google to vehicle manufacturers, which includes Google Maps map service, Google Play app store and Google Assistant voice assistant. The GAS is available only on a version of Android developed by Google, the Android Automotive Operating System. According to FCO, Google offers the services only as a bundle, not separate services. In its statement of objections, FCO first claimed that offering the service as a bundle can restrict competition and enable Google to expand its dominant position to new markets. Furthermore, FCO stated that Google concluded agreements with vehicle manufacturers to have only Google Assistant installed in order to receive a part of the advertising revenue generated. Thirdly, it was claimed that Google imposed contractual provisions requiring GAS licence holders to set Google services as a default or display it before other applications, creating market barriers for potential new competitors. Fourthly, FCO alleged that Google impeded or refused to make its services interoperable with third-party services on the GAS infotainment platform, which would limit or prevent users from using services provided by other companies. The FCO stated that it intends to issue orders prohibiting Google from engaging in anticompetitive practices based on Section 19a of the German Competition Act. Google can provide additional information and comment on the allegations made.