BERLIN, May 27 (AFP): The German government backed away from a key decision Wednesday on the fate of General Motors (GM) as the fallen US giant moved closer to bankruptcy and as rival Chrysler braced for a major overhaul.

A German government spokesman said it was unlikely that Germany would name its preferred bidder for GM unit Opel at a meeting Wednesday night.

"I don't expect a decision on a single investor," chancellory spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm told the news agency.

"It is much more in the interest of Opel and taxpayers that talks continue with several competing interested parties," Wilhelm said.

Another government spokesman, Thomas Steg, told a regular press briefing: "It is not possible that everything can and will be decided.

"What is more likely is that after this evening's talks with all parties, future talks ... will be continued with at least two potential investors," Steg said.