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Statement Carl-Peter Forster: „GM recommends Magna“
2009-09-10
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by saying that I am making this statement as the Chairman of the Adam Opel GmbH Supervisory Board on behalf of the company and its employees here in Germany and here in Europe.
We are very pleased that the General Motors Board has made a decision. The Board believes that a cooperation with the Magna Group is the most sensible solution for Opel. This is a milestone on the way to a promising future for our company.
This GM recommendation is a decisive step. But there are still many necessary steps we must make before we reach the end of this path. Everyone involved – the company, state and local governments and the Opel Trust – will continue to work hard to take this recommendation to the next level so that it ultimately results in a binding agreement.
The GM leadership had to make a tremendously important decision that could not be made lightly. All the more reason I would like to thank the Board for this forward-looking decision.
It is important to emphasize the fact that a future with Magna does not constitute a break from GM. It has always been clear to us that the only way Opel can be successful is to continue with GM. So even in a cooperation with Magna, GM will continue to be the biggest single shareholder, and we will continue our close cooperation with GM, be it in product development, global purchasing, and in other areas.
A car like the electric Opel Ampera – that we will introduce to the market in 2011 – can only be brought to market by using our joint development resources.
We at Opel have always been clear about what is important to us: Security to plan for the future, the possibility to develop the Opel brand, proper investments in new products and a positive future for our employees and their families. The chance to achieve these goals looks bright with both Magna and GM. How large the potential for Opel is, can be seen in such current models like the Insignia and in the new Astra, which will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Our customers stand behind our brand. In Germany, Opel’s sales volume rose nearly 30 percent in the first half of this year. Opel has clearly established itself as the second strongest brand in the nation.
After such intensive talks, we are happy that this solution could finally be reached and we look forward to collaboration with our partners Magna and GM. With Magna, we have a partner who knows well the automotive business, has a great business network and offers Opel new opportunities for the future, such as excellent prospects in the Russian market.
I would like to thank those on the states and federal level who recognized the importance of Opel’s special situation and its independence from GM’s crisis. The support went across all party lines. The bridge financing and the state guarantees were and still are decisive factors. Everybody at Opel is aware of the trust which has been placed in us.
I thank you on behalf of the many thousands of our employees and colleagues, as well as on behalf of our dealers, suppliers and business partners. After months of uncertainty, we now have a prospect for a future. It is an opportunity, which we will use.
Many thanks.
