Opel is seeking 3.3 billion euros ($4.4 billion) in state funds to survive the economic turmoil and remain in business without the need of an investor. However, General Motors insisted that it aims to transform the German unit into a stand-alone car manufacturer and sell the majority control stake to another investor.
Until then, an interesting report came out today. While Angela Merkel repeatedly said Germany has absolutely no intention in buying Opel stakes, Germany's Deputy Chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier wants European governments to purchase a stake of up to 29 percent in the German brand and thus, help it cope with the recession.
Meanwhile, GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster continued its pledge for a bright future for the German brand, saying at the Rüsselsheim plant that they are still aiming to transform Opel into a powerful independent company.
“During the current discussions it is quickly forgotten that Opel already has done so much of its homework. Independent experts confirm the high quality of our products. Opel automobiles regularly belong to the winners of tough comparison tests made by critical specialist media.
"On the corporate side, we have set also in place important steps in order to consolidate Opel together with its European production network and National Sales Companies into a broadly independent unit," GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster said.
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