EU--Germany-Porsche-V

Automaker Volkswagen said Sunday that it was indefinitely postponing talks over a planned integration with Porsche, but the sports car maker insisted that only the next round had been canceled.

As the power struggle between two of Germany’s leading automobile companies appeared to increase, Volkswagen spokesman Peik von Bestenbostel said the talks had been put on hold for an undetermined period of time, demanding a more direct engagement from Porsche.

“Before we can take up talks again, it is necessary that Porsche adopts a clearly constructive attitude toward them,” Von Bestenbostel said.

But Porsche insisted in a statement Sunday saying that even though a working group meeting Monday on the fusion of the two car makers had been canceled, “the negotiations that were begun last week will continue as planned.”

The wrangling comes on the eve of a meeting by Porsche’s supervisory board, which will bring together VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech and members of the Porsche family -- controlling shareholders of Porsche Automobil Holding.

Earlier this month, Piech and the Porsche family agreed on a plan to integrate the Porsche car manufacturing group with Volkswagen, with the independence of the 10 brands of both companies being ensured.

But Piech, a grandson of founder Ferdinand Porsche, questioned the plan Tuesday by saying Porsche must reduce its debt before an integration could be possible, referring to the 9 billion euros ($12.2 billion) in net debt Porsche took on as it brought its stake in Volkswagen up to 51% last year.