Euroda urges General Motors not to wait any longer - Growing Opel business could be hampered by delay

Assen (ots) - Euroda, the European Opel/Vauxhall Dealer
Association, is disappointed to learn that after the meeting of GM's
Board in the USA on August 21, no decision has been taken yet to
officially select the winning bidder for Opel: Magna or RHJ
International.

Jaap Timmer, Euroda's Chairman and together with Vice Chairman
Albert Still involved in many negotiation talks from the start,
states: "It's really time now for this matter to be finalised, in the
interest of all concerned and especially the dealers and their
employees, prospects and buyers and in fact every one involved with
Opel. The negotiations and research activities have been taking place
now for many months and we really expected a conclusion from GM by
August 21. Every day now without this final decision might be hurting
the business of Opel and the Opel dealers severely!"

After thorough investigation and various discussions Euroda is
convinced that the Austrian-Canadian automobile supplier Magna is the
best option for Opel, the Opel dealers and the Opel customers.
Magna's determination, possibilities and commitment are a realistic
base to ensure a fruitful and successful future for Opel.

Jaap Timmer again: "Based on their views with regard to Product -
Know-how development, design and building cars - , Management,
Co-operation with the dealer network they aim for, and Financial
Services, the European Opel Dealer Organisation clearly prefers Magna
as the logical and best partner for the 'New Opel'.

Our current Opel products are well received by the public, dealers
report growing business thanks to the successful Opel Insignia. Also
the first reception by the press and the public of the new Astra
shows that this new model will boost our sales further. Having taken
part in a number of meetings with Magna - a meeting with RHJ
International has not taken place yet, but is still on Euroda's
agenda - and with the German Ministry of Economy and Technology we
are confident that all parties have presented all necessary
information and important questions have been answered. A further
delay is not acceptable in the light of the upcoming, all-important
IAA Frankfurt Motor Show and the German elections in September.
Therefore we urge General Motors not to wait any longer. This is in
line with comments as expressed today by various German politicians
and Opel's workforce."

About Euroda:

Euroda, the European Opel/Vauxhall Dealer Association, represents
the interests of approximately 4.000 retailers with over 120.000
employees. Euroda was founded in 1990 and since then national
Opel/Vauxhall dealer associations from 25 European countries have
joined Euroda to share common interests and to create a strong
European Opel/Vauxhall dealer body.

Originaltext: Euroda - European Opel Dealer Association
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Contact:

Jaap Timmer, Vorsitzender von Euroda
Mobile: 0031 651 54 30 26
Albert Still, stellv. Vorsitzender von Euroda
Mobile: 0049 172 83 74 100

Support:
Birgit Hüther, dot.communications
Mobile: 0049 1718208749
Piet de Jong, Pressrelease
Mobil: 0031 786550210
info@pressrelease.eu