The European Union’s top court on Tuesday upheld a ban on German government subsidies to Volkswagen AG to build car plants in east Germany in the 1990s, Reuters reported.


Reuters said the European Commission’s competition watchdog in 1996 blocked DM 240 million of state subsidies and the EU’s Court of First Instance supported the decision in 1999, saying that Europe already was building too many cars.


According to the report, the lower court added that Germany did not have a blanket right to give money to East Germany, where communist-era Trabant cars could not compete with western vehicles, while the European Court of Justice said that it confirmed the lower court’s decision.


A Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters the decision would have no financial impact.


“The judgment will have no effect on VW’s results and no practical consequences,” the spokesman said, according to the report.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.