Just as General Motors might be balking at the sale of its European Opel brand, the Detroit automaker is said to be close to reaching a deal to sell its Hummer SUV division to China’s Tengzhong. GM and Tengzhong reached a tentative agreement over the Hummer brand earlier this year, but a final deal could be in place by as early as next week.

[Left Lane News] Sources familiar with the situation say Tengzhong has been ramping up its Hummer acquisition efforts over the last few weeks. Despite the Tengzhong’s lack of experience in the automotive segment, the small machinery company could become the new owners of Hummer by next week.

“Tengzhong executives have been traveling between the U.S. and China in the past months and more will arrive in Detroit soon,” an inside source told Automotive News. “If there are no big surprises, an agreement could be finalized next week.”

However, a deal between GM and Tengzhong doesn’t necessarily mean Hummer will be changing hands any time soon. The Chinese government still must approve the transaction, which could be months in the making.

Related posts:

1. How Many iPhones will Apple Sell in China?
2. Apple iPhone to Finally Make its Way to China
3. Microsoft and Yahoo Seal Web Search Deal
4. 21st Century Rubik’s Cube; TouchCube Debuts This Week
5. GM Rejects Beijing Auto Bid for Opel