Vauxhall workers' hopes dashed
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There are fears for thousands of UK jobs after the shock news that General Motors has decided to sell its European operations, Opel and Vauxhall.
As many as 5,500 British car workers are employed at its factories in Luton and Ellesmere Port.
US car giant GM had been considering selling the brand in the face of the economic downturn, but it was thought to have changed its mind, following a two-day meeting in Detroit.
However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that the sale will go ahead, with the business being bought by Canadian car parts firm Magna.
She told a news conference it was the outcome the German government had been working towards, as it fought to safeguard 25,000 jobs at four plants in Germany.
UK Business minister Pat McFadden said: 'Now GM has announced its preferred bidder is Magna. We will now continue our discussions with Magna. They have told us of their commitment to continuing production at both Ellesmere Port and Luton and we will work to make sure we get the best possible outcome for the UK.'
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