GM Netherlands Loses Appeal

Netherlands-based General Motors BV (formerly General Motors Nederland BV and Opel Nederland BV) loses its second appeal of fines levied by the European Commission related to restrictions the auto maker placed on its dealers.

The EU had fined GM €35.47 million ($43.3 million) because it had a policy of not paying bonuses to dealers on sales of cars outside the Netherlands.

GM argued the policy was not a restriction of exports, but the European Court of Justice has ruled in favor of the EC, and the company will have to pay the fine.