I don't see how it is extortion. It is an Italian law, and it is harmonized with an EU directive, so Apple will face the rest of the EU countries after this one is settled. Italy is simply the test case.

EU law requires a two year warranty for defects on consumer electronics. Italy has charged Apple with not honouring their warranty without an independent report on the cause of failure, and with selling additional warranties that extend the standard warranty while not informing consumers that they already have an extended warranty under EU law. Sounds like a good moneymaker for Apple. I can see how they would like to continue.

I don't understand why they don't just pay the fine and move on, it is peanuts in the general scheme of things. This is harming their reputation far more than the amount of the fine. And I don't think they have to call Italy's bluff, Italy has called theirs. They are facing a 30 ban on trading in Italy as they haven't paid the last fine.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
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