The Commission has decided to launch six in-depth investigations into state aid planned for Fiat Auto under Regional Law No 488/92. Moreover, it has requested the Italian authorities to provide it within one month with all the information necessary to examine the cases at issue. It has not yet been able to establish that the planned aid complies with the Community framework for state aid to the motor vehicle industry.

At the end of 1997 the Italian authorities notified to the Commission six cases of state aid for Fiat Auto for its Mirafiori Carrozzeria, Mirafiori Meccanica, Pomigliano, Piedimonte San Germano, Termoli and Rivalta factories. After more than a year the Italian authorities have failed to provide sufficient information to establish that the planned regional aid complies with the principles of the Community framework for the industry, particularly as regards cost-benefit analysis and project mobility. Moreover, they have failed to show that the aid for innovation meets the stringent criteria applied by the Commission in this field.

The Commission has ordered the Italian authorities to provide it within one month with all the information necessary to examine the cases, failing which it will adopt a decision on the basis of the information currently available to it.

Source:
RAPID
03/ 02 /1999