Ford is bringing in slightly Americanised versions of saloon cars that have been successful in Europe, while GM plans to do the same with versions of its German-designed Opels.
Beyond the 12, 000 job cuts announced last year at its European operations, GM is reducing expenditure by building Saabs, Opels - badged as Vauxhalls in the UK - and now Cadillacs on the same framework, and by allowing the different brands to share parts.