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"The Commission's investigation is focused on the possibility of collusion

May 1, 2019 by James Ashley

"The Commission's investigation is focused on the possibility of collusion between the two companies when deciding how best to proceed on these technologies," Vestager told reporters, according to the press release. "These technologies are likely to be included in the new emissions control system. This will be a major step forward for the global emissions trading system, the biggest of which is the OPI."

The Commission said on Tuesday that it will also investigate VW and BMW for possible collusion.

The investigation is currently ongoing, which would mean that the first cases are still open.

"It's possible from the start that companies are working on these technologies before they make any final decision on what to do," Vestager said. "And so, we are not taking that risk."

If Volkswagen continues to cooperate with the Commission, it could create uncertainty in the future due to an existing rule that states that any settlement between companies on emissions reduction schemes must be settled within two years of the date of the agreement. This is an exception to the law, and means that the Commission will not be able to pursue a claim for damages on a new technology.

The EU Commission was founded in 1995, when the first technology was developed, and the commission has since expanded its influence since. The German carmaker is a major player in the emissions trading system.