Russian automaker OAO GAZ Group (GAZA.RS) Tuesday confirmed its interest in participating in a consortium with Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna International Inc. (MGA) in a possible bid for General Motors Corp.'s (GM) German Opel unit.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said last week Magna has approached Russian banks and GAZ about a possible joint bid for Opel.

Both Magna and Italian car maker Fiat SpA (F.MI) have presented plans for a possible Opel takeover.

Company Web site: www.gazgroup.ru

-By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Dow Jones Newswires; +7 495 937 8445; jacob.pedersen@dowjones.com