FTC Seeks More Information on Car Makers’ Web Exchange

U.S. antitrust regulators have asked for more information on an Internet site being set up by General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler to cut the cost of buying goods and services.

The Federal Trade Commission recently requested more information about the exchange, called Covisint, said Commerce One Inc. in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The filing didn’t say what kind of information the FTC requested. Commerce One and Oracle Corp. are providing technology for the site and will be part owners of it.

The FTC said in March it was reviewing plans for the network, on which parts suppliers would submit bids to sell products to the auto makers. The agency wants to make sure the arrangement won’t facilitate collusion to lower purchase prices. The site’s founders last month filed for antitrust clearance from the FTC and the Justice Department’s antitrust division.

The FTC and the companies weren’t immediately available to comment.

Covisint can’t begin business until the FTC has received all of the requested information and all waiting periods under U.S. law have expired or been terminated, Pleasanton, Calif.-based Commerce One said in its filing. The exchange also is awaiting European Union approval.

Major parts suppliers, including Delphi Automotive Systems Corp., Dana Corp. and Lear Corp., in recent weeks have agreed to participate in the exchange.