GM to shed 9,000 jobs across Europe
GENERAL Motors, owner of the British car brand Vauxhall, has confirmed that it is looking to cut 9,000 jobs across Europe.
The US giant, which made a shock U-turn last month by deciding to keep its European business, said 50-60% of the cuts would be made in Germany – where the Opel brand has four factories.
GM Europe boss Nick Reilly did not comment on the implications on the UK – where Vauxhall has around 5,000 staff including 2,200 at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.
Speaking after meeting trade unions in Germany Mr Reilly said: “We must create a sustainable, viable business plan for Opel/Vauxhall.
“The competition is intense and getting fiercer every day. We have to reduce our costs. We must fight hard to keep our manufacturing operations in Europe viable.”
The Ellesmere Port factory is among the most productive and efficient in Europe, is currently producing a new Astra model.
Mr Reilly hinted last week that the Vauxhall business had a secure long term future and said.
he believed there was scope for a “significant reduction” in the 800 job cuts threatened in the UK earlier this year under plans put forward by Magna – the Canadian bidder for GM Europe.
