US Won't Intervene in GM - EU Countries Talks

General Motors decided to keep Opel and try to reorganize the brand on its own but the decision only led to an avalanche of criticism from German officials who saw their efforts biting the dust after months of negotiations. As a reply, some German representatives even claim that the state might reject GM's loan application, so the US-based carmaker would have to support the restructuring process on its own.

Many people were wondering whether the US task force was involved in GM's decision. But Ron Bloom, the US official who leads the task force that helped both Chrysler and General Motors to step out of bankruptcy, said the decision was a total surprise for the US as well, a fact that underlines that GM's board remains independent.

Asked whether the US could intervene in the talks to back General Motors and help it receive financial support from countries hosting Opel factories, Bloom said the country won't be actively involved in negotiations. However, he admitted that the United States could be consulted over a number of matters related to GM.

"Whether the foreign governments participate is something that GM will work out with the foreign governments," he told Reuters. "I guess we're hoping they do because it's good for all but we're not going to presume to tell Germany, Poland, England or Spain what's in their interest. That's something they will have to sort out."

General Motors has already started negotiations with governments across Europe and a full restructuring plan is expected to be submitted in approximately three weeks.