While Ford's European arm is trying to counter slow sales in the region through a product offensive, GM's rivaling Opel brand is going international launching in Australia and Chile.
In the Land Down Under, Opel's initial model range consists of the Corsa supermini, the Astra five-door compact hatchback and Sports Tourer (station wagon), and the Insignia mid-size sedan.
According to Opel, with these models it competes in the light, small and medium market segments that account for around 80 per cent of Australian passenger car sales.
Earlier this summer, Opel confirmed its dealer network in the country, which in the first phase includes 17 dealerships with stand-alone facilities.
The arrival of Opel in Australia means that GM's local Holden brand will essentially share its portfolio with Chevrolet.
Opel also recently entered the market for passenger cars in Chile, where its model range currently includes the Corsa, Meriva small MPV, Astra and Insignia.
These latest moves follow the launch of the brand in Israel last year, while Opel said it will enhance its product lineups in China, North Africa, the Middle East, Russia and Turkey with new models.
2 Comments:
Good luck to them, they will need it re: Australia. I am a big fan of Opels current model line-up, esp the Astra and Insignia are arguably the best cars they have built in two decades. Price however will be a big factor here in Oz, and I would imagine, that Holdens current Chevrolet/Daewoo-sourced cars will have a clear advantage.
Opel wants to represent itself as somewhat of a premium brand, which makes sense, considering their offers, but they have zero reputation with most locals and there are a few established premium/Euro brands, that will make their life very hard.
Finally ! Good to have these back and not the cheap Korean crap lineup it has now...
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