FRANKFURT -(Dow Jones)- General Motors Co.'s German unit Adam Opel GmbH Wednesday said the GM board's decision to retain Opel and its U.K.-sister Vauxhall shows they will continue to play an important role in GM's global strategy.

"In the interest of all Opel/Vauxhall employees and the continuation of Opel/Vauxhall businesses which in recent months have delivered many sales and product successes, a clarification of any open questions is of particular importance," Opel said in a statement.

Opel added that all parties will work to safeguard a successful future for the two brands.

In a surprise move, GM's board late Tuesday decided it wants to retain its core European operations, unraveling over six months of negotiations with potential bidders.

-By Frankfurt Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; +49 69 29725 500; djnews.frankfurt@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-04-09 0415ET