Germany’s finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has pressed General Motors to provide more details of its plans for Opel and said the US-based group was responsible for workers at the European unit.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


“My position is very clear: it is now up to General Motors to shed light on how it will meet its company responsibilities,” he told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.


“The word from Detroit is GM doesn’t need state financing for Opel. I just say: so much the better!” he added.


“With Opel, GM has a big responsibility for employees, for the regions concerned and for the whole country.”


Nick Reilly, interim head of GM’s European business, said on Thursday the carmaker would present a new viability plan for Opel in mid-December as it aims to reduce capacity across Europe by about 20%, Reuters noted. He said it was too soon to say whether any production sites would be closed.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Schaeuble urged GM to clarify its plans.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now