Forster, who was also group vice-president of GM, will be leaving his post as the head of Opel, but will stay on in an advisory role during the transition to find a new CEO. The decision was made after GM retracted its decision to sell Opel to Magna International.

GM is expected to initiate an external search for Forster’s replacement immediately, with Bob Lutz said to be the favourite to takeover. The former GM chairman had previously worked in Europe for the company from 1963 to 1971, as well as having stints with BMW and Ford of Europe.

GM said that no other management changes to the Opel organization are being considered at this time, and that all key management roles remain while the search for a new CEO continues. The decision is said to have little effect for Opel’s future product plans.