When Fritz Henderson, GM’s chief executive, came to Opel’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim this week, he was on a peace mission.

Mr Henderson tried to appease Opel’s works council and managers – still outraged by GM’s decision to hold on to the carmaker – with a promise of greater independence. “We do need to change the way we operate in Europe – the same way as we did in the US. Will this lead to more independence? I think the answer is yes,” he said.