Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

GM's Opel, Vauxhall Get a Shot at Survival

Canadian firm wants to buy brands, but deal needs German help

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2009 11:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Canadian auto supplier Magna wants to buy GM’s European brands, offering Opel and Vauxhall a chance at survival, the Wall Street Journal reports. A deal for Opel would need temporary German funding. Angela Merkel’s government is debating putting up some $2 billion—but wants GM and the US Treasury to separate Opel from the rest of the Detroit firm to ensure the loan doesn’t end up in US creditors’ pockets.

Magna International Inc. Chairman Frank Stronach arrives for a meeting about the future of Opel at the Chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
Magna International Inc. Chairman Frank Stronach arrives for a meeting about the future of Opel at the Chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, May 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Maya Hitij)
The logos of car brands Opel and Chevrolets are seen at a local dealer of troubled GM Opel in Ghent, Friday, May 29, 2009.
The logos of car brands Opel and Chevrolets are seen at a local dealer of troubled GM Opel in Ghent, Friday, May 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
German Economic Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg briefs the media in front the Chancellery before a meeting about the future of Opel , in Berlin, on Friday, May 29, 2009.
German Economic Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg briefs the media in front the Chancellery before a meeting about the future of Opel , in Berlin, on Friday, May 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

GM's 2011 Profit: Biggest Ever

Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

Taxpayers Still Have $132.9B Stuck in TARP

GM Reclaims World's No.1 Spot

Saab Declares Bankruptcy


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne