Automotive company BMW issues financial penalty of 250,000 euros threat
In a recent turn of events, the District Court in The Hague has confirmed a ruling that prohibits Rotterdam entrepreneurs Eric Bakker and Sam Peinemann from selling 260 BMW vehicles. This decision, initially made in July 2024 and confirmed again in August 2025, was issued due to concerns about the potential impact of heat, smoke, and firefighting water on safety-relevant systems.
The BMW Group, the manufacturer of the vehicles in question, has been vocal about the safety issues at hand. Technical investigations conducted on vehicles salvaged from the ship revealed alarming damage caused by heat, toxic smoke, and soot. BMW maintains that presenting the vehicles to the public would violate the ruling and infringe on trademark and design rights.
In response, Bakker and Peinemann, the entrepreneurs who purchased the vehicles, have disputed the argument. They have had 32 BMW models inspected by the TÜV, a renowned German technical inspection association, with the report stating that the cars are in mint condition and technically flawless.
BMW, however, interprets the actions of Bakker and Peinemann as continuing to ignore the serious safety concerns raised by the BMW Group. The company demands the return of the vehicles and their subsequent scrapping. They have also threatened fines of 250,000 euros for each violation of the sales ban.
The BMW Group has been adamant about the safety of its customers being their top priority. They have prohibited the entrepreneurs from allowing media representatives to test drive the vehicles. The court's ruling states that the vehicles may not be sold within the EU or outside of it.
The controversy arose when around 3,800 vehicles, including approximately 800 undamaged BMWs, were salvaged. Despite BMW's warnings about serious safety defects, the 260 vehicles were sold by an insurance company to the Rotterdam entrepreneurs.
Bakker and Peinemann have criticized BMW for applying different standards, citing BMW's presentation of identical vehicles in Japan as safe. However, BMW reiterates the District Court of The Hague's ruling, ordering the return of the 260 BMW vehicles and their subsequent destruction due to safety concerns.
As of now, Bakker and Peinemann have appealed against the ruling. The BMW Group awaits the appeal with composure. The ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the automotive industry.
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