GM’s ‘reinvention’ starts with $25 million battery lab

General Motors took a big step toward its reinvention as the "New G.M." today when it opened what it calls the largest automotive battery laboratory in the United States, a move the struggling company believes will hasten the development of electric vehicles. GM invested $25 million in the 33,000-square-foot Global Battery Systems Lab to develop and test the drivetrains underpinning the Chevrolet Volt and other hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

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Rwandan to face genocide charges in Finland

Finnish prosecutors will file genocide charges against a Rwandan man in the killings of 15 people during Rwanda’s ethnic cleansing bloodbath in 1994, authorities said Monday. GM will file a bankruptcy petition at 8 am ET (12 pm GMT), paving the way for a de facto government takeover, according to a source with direct knowledge of the bankruptcy proceedings

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GM poised for bankruptcy, agrees European selloff

The future of thousands of car industry jobs in Europe remained uncertain Monday as General Motors prepared to file for bankruptcy after reaching a deal to sell off its European operations, including German automaker Opel and UK-based Vauxhall. GM will file a bankruptcy petition at 8 am ET (12 pm GMT), paving the way for a de facto government takeover, according to a source with direct knowledge of the bankruptcy proceedings.

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Fiat pulls out of Opel takeover talks

The future of Opel remained uncertain Friday after Italian car giant Fiat withdrew from talks in Berlin due to concerns over emergency funding demanded by the German government for the ailing automaker. Fiat had been one of two potential bidders, along with Canadian-Austrian supplier Magna, still in the running to take over Opel, which is currently owned by General Motors. Fiat said in a statement Friday it remained interested in taking control of Opel but said the German government’s demand for the potential suitors to provide $417 million in short-term funding would expose Fiat to “unnecessary and unwarranted risks.” “Fiat remains open and committed to continue discussions with all parties involved with a view to find a stable and lasting solution for the industrial activities of Opel,” Fiat said

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Two companies vie for Opel’s future

Two groups remain in the hunt to take over carmaker Opel from the umbrella of General Motors’ European operations: Canadian-Austrian supplier Magna and Italian car company Fiat The German government met Wednesday to discuss the future of the carmaker. The chief concern is to make sure the car company does not become embroiled in the bankruptcy protection proceedings of parent company GM.

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Germany considers carmaker Opel’s future

The German government plans to meet Wednesday night to discuss the future of carmaker Opel and weigh bids for the General Motors subsidiary. A spokesman for the German chancellor’s office said he did not expect a final decision on Opel to be made Wednesday. “It’s just to check the offers of the investors, then to see how we can go on,” said the spokesman, who declined to be named

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