The week began with news that Opel is heading for a sizeable loss this year due mostly to the high cost of restructuring. No surprises there, then.

Meanwhile, in China, GM began building a new brand I don’t think there’s much chance of seeing outside China. It’s part of a new move ‘west’ China chief Kevin Wale referred to when I was chatting to him last month, heading after new custom in the ‘smaller cities’ – this being relative from a base of about 1m – which many westerners may never have even heard of. Ford, too, is at it, announcing an expansion of its dealer network in to the hinterland, saying that’s where the next tranche of growth will come from.

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The blue oval is also on a roll in India, from where it is already exporting the Figo and, reportedly, scouting for land for a second plant.

Speaking of China, Ford has also had a little difficulty with a former employee from that country and the Chinese themselves are still having a little difficulty getting decent crash test ratings here in Europe. Still in China, BMW has warned of challenges ahead in the premium sector.

It was also a week for investment news – Chrysler on more transmissions and GM on additional support to make the new, ahem, European designed I4s for US products in the US.

Mahindra has signed a definitive agreement for Ssangyong and we had a chat with Renault COO Patrick Pelata.

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The UK has turned snowy unseasonable early, reviving a debate on whether or not winter tyres should be compulsory. I say fit ’em if you need ’em and drive safe but keep the nanny state out – it has already devised enough ways to fleece we poor motorists. I note that most in favour on Twitter this week are those whose motoring is heavily subsidised with company cars or permanent access to press fleets…

Have a nice weekend.

Graeme Roberts
Deputy/News Editor
just-auto.com