European Commissioner Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager talks during a video press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
(Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool Photo via AP)BRUSSELS The European Union is opening an in-depth investigation into the proposed merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot that would create the worlds fourth-largest automaker.
Vestager stressed that either Fiat Chrysler or Peugeot are already the leader in many EU nations in that sector and the merger would eliminate a major player, thus reducing competition.
Fiat Chrysler has been looking for an industrial partner in recent years.
A previous deal with French rival Renault last spring fell apart over French government concerns about the role of Renaults Japanese partner, Nissan.