European commision ruling on Treaty of Rome

[MEMSDesign]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1775000/1775384.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/forum/newsid_1800000/1800286.stm



>>> Edited by MEMSDesign on Monday 4th February 16:38

[Fatboy]

I'm sure that if the law is changed, there will be loopholes you could drive a bus through - not much will change

>> Edited by Fatboy on Monday 4th February 17:01

[aovcerb]

Unfortunately it might, the whole idea of the EU is a level playing field for manufacturing and business interaction. Basically from a business point no import/export tarriffs same employment legislation etc etc etc, the idea is that competition will based more on watching internal costs and this competition will give the consumer better choice. Unfortunately a number of issues arise all this economic focus detracts from true industrial policy (very small percentage of EU funding looks at industry and policy) and secondly what no one is telling you is for the Euro to really work we will have to centralise our taxation, if not what is the point if UK taxes for industry is lower than the rest of the EU, there goes your level playing field !!!
By the way at this moment the UK is the most attractive place in Europe to invest business.
Sorry Ted will get off my soap box

[DIGGA]

As I understand it, the proposals could allow supermarkets and other retailers to sell vehicles.

Could be handy at Ikea or B&Q - "Oh and I'll have a Ford Transit to carry it home please as well".

[JMGS4]

Some of the largest loopholes as follows. I've seen the german contract which VW/Audi force their outlets to sign. All I can say it's a bl***** liberty....
1) all cars MUST be sold through their computer system naming the end-user with address (and VAT no). Thus all "outside" orders are automatically cancelled. or the dealer is "fined" for supplying outside his defined sales area if he gets the car at all!
2) the VW dealer is bound (actual wording) "not to show this contract in any form to ANY third party!!!! otherwise they'll lose the dealership!!!
3) Smaller dealers can only sell in the name of and for invoice of the local distributorships! i.e you can no longer buy from VW-Dealer Fred Bloggs on the corner, you can only buy from VW-Sales Ares office south-east/NW etc!
4) The new A8 is ONLY being sold by AUDI direct, the dealers can pick up the tab for the guarantee work and for supplying the courtesy car. AUDI even want to try to bind the buyer to re-selling the vehicle to them only!!! Talk about an illegal Monopoly!
This is why they have been fined millions of Euros! and guess why my Audi is for sale and I'm buying the Jag!!!