| 19.11.2008 | 09:00 UTC
EU eyes auto aid, but no blank cheques
The European Union is studying possible support for its ailing carmakers. EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen signalled support for a German offer to help the Opel unit of stricken US auto firm General Motors. Opel says it plans to cut production by 10 percent, introduce a 30-hour working week and cut salary and bonus payments to senior managers. Pressure on European leaders to help industrial giants such as Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen and Fiat rose after US Senate Democrats on Monday proposed a $25 billion loan programme for the "big three" -- General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
