This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/business-17213021

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
GM and Peugeot announce alliance GM and Peugeot announce alliance
(40 minutes later)
General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen have announced a global alliance that will see them develop cars together.General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen have announced a global alliance that will see them develop cars together.
Under the deal, GM will take a 7% stake in Peugeot, making GM the second biggest shareholder in the French firm after the Peugeot family.Under the deal, GM will take a 7% stake in Peugeot, making GM the second biggest shareholder in the French firm after the Peugeot family.
The two firms will share engineering development and hope to launch the first common design by 2016.The two firms will share engineering development and hope to launch the first common design by 2016.
They hope to save money by combining purchasing and by 2017 they expect to save some $2bn (£1.3bn) a year.They hope to save money by combining purchasing and by 2017 they expect to save some $2bn (£1.3bn) a year.
"This partnership brings tremendous opportunity for our two companies," said Dan Akerson, GM's chairman and chief executive."This partnership brings tremendous opportunity for our two companies," said Dan Akerson, GM's chairman and chief executive.
"The alliance synergies in addition to our independent plans, position GM for long-term sustainable profitability in Europe.""The alliance synergies in addition to our independent plans, position GM for long-term sustainable profitability in Europe."
Both companies have been struggling in Europe.Both companies have been struggling in Europe.
GM's European brand, Opel, brand lost $747m (£472m) last year.GM's European brand, Opel, brand lost $747m (£472m) last year.
Despite tough trading conditions Peugeot made a profit of 588m euros ($772m, £492m) in 2011, but that was down 48% on the previous year because of falling sales.Despite tough trading conditions Peugeot made a profit of 588m euros ($772m, £492m) in 2011, but that was down 48% on the previous year because of falling sales.
Philippe Varin, chairman of the managing board of PSA Peugeot Citroën said: "With the strong support of our historical shareholder and the arrival of a new and prestigious shareholder, the whole group is mobilized to reap the full benefit of this agreement."Philippe Varin, chairman of the managing board of PSA Peugeot Citroën said: "With the strong support of our historical shareholder and the arrival of a new and prestigious shareholder, the whole group is mobilized to reap the full benefit of this agreement."