European Investment Bank Approves $400m Land Rover Loan

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago
Land Rover? Indian-owned manufacturer of four-wheeled global warming devices by appointment to the Queen? The very same. The BBC reports that Landie has scored a $400 million “loan” from the European Investment Bank (Banque Européenne d’Investissement). While you’re wondering where the EIB figures in the shadowy conspiracy to create a world government (under the aegis of the Rothschilds), let’s show Auntie Beeb a little love for their mastery of English as she is spoke.Jaguar Land Rover said it could be a number of weeks before any cash was handed over. Sources at the company were more cautious, stressing that whilst they were confident the money will be approved, they did not want to assume it would.So other than calling the payment a “loan” (boy does THAT sound familiar), how does the EIB justify running roughshod over World Trade Organization (WTO) prohibitions against government subsidies? Environmentalism, of course. Wait; Land Rover? Yes.The criteria for any EIB loan require car makers to invest in new greener technology to lower emissions during vehicle production and driving.Note: not “low.” Lower. But wait! There’s more! [If you’re offended by passive construction, look away now.]A loan of £364m (400m euros) will also be split between Nissan’s plants in Sunderland and Spain, bringing the UK total to £455m (500m euros).
Robert Farago
Robert Farago

More by Robert Farago

Comments
Join the conversation
 4 comments
  • John Horner John Horner on Apr 05, 2009

    The WTO is far too cumbersome and slow moving of an organization to be of much meaning in this current economic situation. In the end, it is about as toothless as the UN.

  • Mtypex Mtypex on Apr 05, 2009

    If the WTO can't stop Land Rover, what good is it!

  • Davey49 Davey49 on Apr 05, 2009

    It's because Land Rover is a historic landmark and needs to last forever. Give them all the money they want. No more Land Rover means we might as well all blow up our cars and ride bicycles or horses.

  • Dave Dave on Apr 05, 2009

    The EIB comes up with $400mil for JLR, but zero (so far) for Saab and Opel/Vauxhall. Guess the Eurocrats like their off-roaders for the jungle that is Brussels.

Next