Italian carmaker Fiat has begun efforts to win support for its plan to take over General Motors' European business, which includes Vauxhall and Opel.
After meeting Fiat's chief executive, Germany's economy minister said the Italians wanted to take over Opel, but without running up any debt.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg also said Fiat had pledged to keep the three main German factories if its bid went ahead.
GM is under pressure to sell its European interests as it restructures.