General Motors is set to begin talks with European labour unions about cutting capacity in the region by up to 350,000 units, or 15%, a year.

According to the FT today outline plans are due to be presented to GM's European employee forum next Tuesday, clearing the way for negotiations at a local and national level over likely job losses, shift changes and new working conditions.

The proposals include shift reductions at car plants in Spain, Belgium and Germany, and the sale or withdrawal from non-core manufacturing areas such as pressings and axles. (September 27, 2001)