Meanwhile, GM Europe and Renault have signed a letter of intent for a major co-operation agreement in the light commercial vehicle sector. The companies have set a target of completing a final agreement by the end of this year. The deal will lead to the joint development and manufacturing of a new range of vehicles from 2.5- 2.8 tons, gross vehicle weight. The resulting vehicle will go into production around the year 2000 and will be sold in the UK as both a Vauxhall and a Renault.

GM Europe is planning to market a second panel van range under the Opel and Vauxhall brand names, currently being developed by Renault for the 2.8 - 3.5 ton GVW market.