Press Release: Commission extends the period of validity of the existing car framework State aid rules to the automobile industry

The European Commission has decided to extend the period of validity of the existing Community framework for State aid to the motor vehicle industry (car framework) by a period of one year until 31 December 2001. The car framework imposes a strict discipline in the granting of aid in order to reduce distortions of competition in the car sector to a minimum. Until 2001, the Commission will assess a possible replacement of the car framework by the rules of the so-called multisectoral framework.