Opel's Sale To Magna: Is Strife Inevitable in This Tricky Marriage?

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In the long run, the question of the degree to -- and price at -- which Opel will be able to depend on GM technologies could also prove to be the source of conflict. During talks, the GM negotiators made it clear that the prospect of Russian carmaker Gaz, as a possible future minority shareholder, being able to just reach in and grab from GM's supply of innovations was horrifying to them. As part of the deal, a link up between Opel and Gaz is expected, with the Russia carmarker hoping to produce as many as 180,000 cars a year at its main plant. But Detroit could also endeavor to make some money from the deal by licensing GM patents to oversees partners.

The wrangling over technology is likely to become especially bitter if it concerns such projects as the electric motor. When it comes to this sort of technology, the Germans will most likely claim credit for themselves. And that will remain the case even if the patents eventually wind up in Detroit. It's unlikely that GM's tough negotiators will be willing to compromise on this issue.

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• Part 1: Is Strife Inevitable in This Tricky Marriage?
• Part 2: Who Will Have the Final Say at Opel?
• Part 3: What Will Happen to Opel's Employees?
• Part 4: What Role Will Governments Play?
• Part 5: What Will the Various Affiliations and Partnerships Look Like?
• Part 6: What Will Opel's Strategy Be?
• Part 7: What New Markets Are Available to Opel?
• Part 8: Could GM's Technological Know-How End up in Russia?