World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Mitsubishi Electric faces Australian court

AUSTRALIA: Mitsubishi Electric Australia is to face a Federal court for allegedly engaging in resale price maintenance on its air conditioning units.

Resale price maintenance occurs when a supplier induces or attempts to induce a business customer to not resell or advertise goods or services below a minimum specified price.  In Australia, resale price maintenance is prohibited by section 48 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleges that on three occasions between 2009 and 2011, Mitsubishi Electric Australia through the conduct of its senior managers induced and attempted to induce one of its dealers, Mannix Electrical Pty, not to sell Mitsubishi Electric branded air conditioning products at prices below a minimum specified price. The company is also accused of terminating Mannix’s ‘dealer’ status and reclassified it to ‘contractor’ status for reasons including Mannix’s failure to increase its prices of Mitsubishi Electric branded air conditioning products to the minimum specified price.

Mannix operates retail stores in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria as Mannix Airconditioning and Airconditioning Warehouse Sales.

The ACCC alleges that Mitsubishi Electric’s conduct was partly driven by complaints it received from other dealers it supplied, who were Mannix’s competitors.

The matter has been filed in the Federal Court’s South Australian registry, with a directions hearing listed for December 13.

Latest News

28th March 2024

Hudson warns of unsafe US recovery cylinders

USA: The US refrigerant supplier and reclaimer Hudson Technologies has warned of illegal and unsafe recovery cylinders entering the US market.
28th March 2024

Topical talks at Bath breakfast meeting

UK: The next South West South Wales Refrigeration Society breakfast briefing will feature talks from three experienced and knowledgable speakers on varied refrigeration and air conditioning topics.
28th March 2024

CO2 compressor for multiple applications

ITALY: Frascold’s new TK HD series transcritical CO2 compressors are designed for a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning applications, as well as high-temperature heat pumps up to 100°C.
28th March 2024

Copeland releases 50hp scroll in Asia

CHINA: US compressor manufacturer Copeland is to launch a 50hp scroll for heat pump OEMs in Asia.
27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.