Italy’s competition watchdog has opened an investigation into alleged abuse of a dominant market position by Google in the smart device sector.

The preliminary proceeding proceeding against Alphabet Inc., Google LLC and Google Italy S.r.l. are related to an alleged refusal of the U.S. company to integrate the app “Enel X Recharge”, developed by utility Enel, in its Android Auto app. The app provides information and services related to the recharging of electric car batteries.

"Google's interest would be to defend and reinforce the business model of Google Maps app, which offers a wide range of services to end users, including information related to the location of charging stations for electric cars and how drivers could reach them," said Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM).

The probe will be completed by May 30 next year.