(April 11, 2013) The General Motors board of directors used its meeting in Rüsselsheim on Wednesday to underscore its commitment to Opel and Germany. This commitment was manifested in the approval of a comprehensive investment program: GM will invest 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in Germany and Europe through 2016.

“As a global automotive company GM needs a strong presence in Europe — in terms of design and development as well as manufacturing and sales,” said Dan Akerson, Chairman and CEO of GM, at a press briefing at Adam Opel Haus. “Opel is a key to our success and enjoys its parent company’s full support.”

Opel's European operations have lost $18 billion since 1999, including $1.8 billion last year.

Opel and UK sister brand Vauxhall are introducing new models to counter slumping sales including the Adam minicar, Mokka SUV and Cascada convertible. The unit said it plans to introduce 23 new or refreshed models and 13 new powertrains by 2016.

The board of directors chose Germany for a regularly scheduled meeting to get first-hand information on the progress on its 10-year strategy DRIVE!2022 and the challenging European automotive environment. The Board also used this opportunity to meet with economists, unionists and politicians.

Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky said, “The board of directors is here to underline its solidarity and support. Opel has been part of GM since 1929 and is today more than ever a decisive element for the entire company’s innovative power. This partnership is stronger than it has ever been.”

Following the press briefing Akerson revealed a piece of the Berlin Wall that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. “This piece of the wall is a symbol of our corporate culture,” said CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The symbol should remind everyone that we overcome any walls in our heads and those between different cultures and that we are now starting a new chapter in the history of Opel.”