Opel/Vauxhall News: Opel/Vauxhall Looks To Higher End Models

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 20, 2012

Opel/Vauxhall are trying to position themselves as premium car brand for Europe. One problem; their only “flagship” model is the Insignia. CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke said the brand needs more of them.

“I believe we need a top of the line car, to be positioned in the luxury segment. The Insignia car has done a great job of showing we can make premium-like products, but establishing ourselves properly in this territory will be a long journey.”

Stracke went onto say,

“We would also benefit from launching a large crossover, something to fight the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML, and possibly another roadster — a car with a deeper connection into the company than the Opel-Vauxhall VX220 (which everyone knows was a Lotus underneath) and the Opel Speedster that came from the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.”

If Stracke was to get his wish, the flagship would have to wait until four new models were introduced.

Source: Autocar

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[67impss]

Are we back to Opel being sold off again? I thought Caddy was GM's Lux brand. Or will Opel be sold and then offer their own luxury line of cars. Sounds to me that Karl-Friedrich Stracke is giving us his Christmas wish list early.

[William Maley]

No, General Motors is sticking with Opel. I think Stracke wants to move Opel to higher end point.. Not stepping on Cadillac at all

[ocnblu]

I would surmise Opel = Buick for Europe, and the lineups will further consolidate.

I very sincerely hope that does not further wash away Buick's traditional character... sweepspears belong on Buicks, but not on Opels.

[hyperv6]

Buick needs to grow in higher in this segment as does Opel and Vauxhall. GM now has Chevy in all the same markets and the only place for any of these to grow is up market. With Cadillac in time moving more up market it will give room for these makes to make their own space.

We can not judge the brands as they are now as they will expand and change with each and every new model from this point on. I expect each and every new Buick/Opel/Vauxhall will be a step up in image, quality, luxury and price. All we have now are the salvaged models from the pre new GM era. There will be some suprises in store for each of these brands.

GM has just taken the first true step into the future with the ATS with more to come for the entire GM line up.

Edited February 20, 2012 by hyperv6

[G. David Felt]

Right now they need to get their house in order and clean up the excessive cost of teh Euro Unions and the run aways spending before they consider doing a mid luxury or highend luxury model.

Get the foundation right and then build.