Government could support Vauxhall
27 May 2009
- Financial assistance could be forthcoming
- Four bidders for Vauxhall/Opel
- German government to decide on preferred bidder
The UK Government could spend public money to secure the future of Vauxhall.
Lord Mandelson, the UK's Business Secretary, said the Government ‘has not ruled out a financial contribution’ to support Vauxhall’s factories at Ellesmere Port and Luton, as well as 5000 workers.
Vauxhall’s parent company, the ailing US giant General Motors, is looking to sell off Vauxhall and Opel. Four bidders have joined the race for GM’s European arm: China’s Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) is the latest bidder, which is competing with Fiat, Magna and RHJ.
The German government has taken a keen interest in the bidding process, since Opel employs 25,000 people in Germany and has its headquarters in the country.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to announce Germany’s preferred bidder later today, and is likely to support the bid which plans the least job cuts in Germany.
With financial support for the winning bid almost certain from Germany, the UK Government is under pressure to make its own contribution to make sure British factories don’t bear the brunt of the new owner’s cost-cutting plans.
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2013
