In an oligopoly, when firms engage in collusion, what is the primary goal they aim to achieve?

In an oligopoly, when firms engage in collusion, their primary goal is to maximize their profits by working together instead of competing against each other. By agreeing on prices or production levels, these firms can avoid price wars and reduce competition, which often leads to higher prices for consumers. For example, if two car manufacturers agree to set the same price for their vehicles, they can both earn more money than if they competed at lower prices. This cooperation helps them maintain higher profit margins and can lead to greater market stability. However, collusion is often illegal because it harms consumers by reducing choices and keeping prices artificially high.