Well, it appears the main issue that pulled BAIC out of negotiation is more or less related to intellectual property, as the Chinese manufacturer said in a statement despite that it hasn't provided specific details on what the issue was.
"In the negotiations over intellectual property, we have been in constant communications with General Motors. Regrettably, both parties failed to reach agreement on the intellectual property issue," BAIC said in a statement.
So what's next? Well, it appears that BAIC has a backup plan in case it loses Opel (which it did...): it will try to take over Ford's Swedish ailing brand Volvo which is also looking for an outside investor that could keep it alive. According to a report by just-auto.com, the Beijing city government, who actually owns Beijing Auto, fully supports such an idea, so a bid might be submitted in the near future.
Meanwhile, General Motors Europe continues negotiations with Magna and RHJ International, with German officials now hinting that the two companies have even chances to purchase the brand - despite reports that Angela Merkel express her support for the Canadian - Austrian parts manufacturer.
"We had a good and thoughtful discussion around the key operating metrics and key issues associated with the three final offers we received on Monday evening", said John Smith, GM's chief negotiator for the sale of Opel. "We have agreed to continue detailed talks with both Magna and RHJI to secure Opel's future."
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