Chrysler, Audi under investigation: report

The new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is pictured during a media event at the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the New York International Auto Show April 16, 2014. [Photo / Agencies]

Two separate investigations into Chrysler and Audi have found that both Western automakers have been pursuing monopoly tactics, the National Business Daily reported Wednesday.

the two multinational carmakers will receive punishment soon, Xinhua cited an official with China's top economic planning agency.

The investigations were launched into Chrysler by Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission and into German-brand Audi by the Hubei Bureau of Price Supervision, respectively, according to the report.

A report from China National Radio said investigations had found that the two companies took over the pricing rights for parts and maintenance services from dealerships and they will likely face punishment.

US carmaker Chrysler announced on Tuesday it would slash retail prices of some cars and parts in China by an average of 20 percent.

The newspaper report cited an unnamed source at Chrysler as saying the price cut was a return for customers' long-time support to Chrysler China's three brands, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge. He added the move was also in response to investigations by China's anti-monopoly regulators.

Luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz confirmed on Tuesday the company is involved in an ongoing antitrust investigation by the National Development and Reform Commission and said it would cooperate with the government. 

Audi cuts spare-part prices in China amid anti-monopoly probe	Mercedes-Benz confirms antitrust investigation