GM shifts gears, will keep Opel

General Motors' board of directors has decided that it will keep the Opel business and restructure it, putting an end to plans to sell the European operations to auto supplier Magna International. GM said it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost $4.42 billion (3 million euros), which it says is lower than the costs associated with outside bids for the company. GM said it will soon present its restructuring plans for Opel to the German government and other governments in Europe.

Volkswagen Are Rally Champs For Second Year Running

ANOTHER year, another title – that’s the news from down under as Volkswagen has secured the World Rally Manufacturers’ Championship for the second year running after a clean sweep at the Rally Australia round. After a tense battle over the weekend, with Brit Kris Meeke leading for Citroen at one point, Volkswagen eventually took all three podium steps as Sebastien Ogier lead from teammate Jari-Matti Latvala with Andreas Mikkelsen coming in third. With only three rallies remaining this season, Volkswagen can no longer be caught at the top of the overall standings.

Opel Ampera to debut at Geneva

Opel (GM’s Euro division, and the Euro version of Vauxhall) has today revealed teaser images of the Opel Ampera, which is to debut at the motor show in Geneva in March. The Ampera is GM’s salvation – they believe. Based on the Chevvy Volt concept, it is a pure electric car.