Where can I invest in a Vauxhall franchise?

At present, there is much to-and-fro –ing over the fate of the once mighty General Motors, and, of course, of the fates of those so closely aligned with it.

Every report on the proposed restructuring of GM involves major stakes being held by the United Auto Workers and the US government. While Ottawa and Queen’s Park are bound to pony up some cash, their influence in the new company will be marginal. That fact may become painfully clear when layoffs and plant closures are on the table.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern that a company that is controlled mostly by Washington and an American trade union will not look to north of the border to exact the necessary cuts. After all, we see how good President Obama’s assurances over the application of the “Buy American” clause in their stimulus bill were.

Yes, the demise of GM could potentially lead to the demise of the Canadian industry – or maybe its rebirth?

As we speak, there is a very good chance that Magna may end up taking over GM’s European operations – including the Opel, Vauxhall, and Saab brands.

Maybe I am a bit naïve, but if an American dominated company wants to pull manufacturing out of Canada, and a Canadian company now controls car brands that are, on the whole, more energy efficient, and technologically advanced than their North American cousins, it seems like a no brainer.

If the Yanks close a GM plant in Canada, let the federal and provincial governments do what it takes to help Magna retool the lines, and start manufacturing Opels, Vauxhalls and Saabs for the North American market.

My dad once owned a Vauxhall that he purchased used from the GM dealer in Verona, Ontario. They have sold them here before, and they could do it again.

Besides, nothing warms my heart like seeing a rebirth of a proud Commonwealth brand!