Opel planning to reinforce China market
Opel are actually still in China, but currently selling the last generation of Astra and Antara, but plans to come back to China with a stronger line up:
Opel now received the o.k. to expand into markets outside of Europe. You probably can guess which markets they have in mind.
“We will begin distribution in China this year” said Opel’s Nick Reilly to Automobilwoche [sub]. Opel will also compete with Holden in Australia. Opel will be sold in another country in Asia and two markets in South America. Their identities are being kept under wraps.
Opel isn’t completely new in China. About 4,000 Opels were sold in the Middle Kingdom, unbeknownst to most. In Australia, some were sold rebadged as Holdens. And of course there is the huge GM presence in China that sells rebadged Opels as Buicks. Whether GM will allow them to seriously compete in China remains to be seen. A few years ago, Opel was sold in Japan, but met with a resolute yawn.
Opel needs the business. In the first 6 months, Opel sold 4.5 percent less in Europe than in the year before. Losses so far $637m. More to come.
Looking over the Opel.com website, it seems that the only models that Opel would be able to sell in China would be the smaller models, such as the Corsa and Meriva models, or perhaps the Tigra twin top or other sports models. Either way, Opel are going to have a fight on its hands if they want to stand out further than they have been doing.
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I visited the Opel Sales showroom in Changchun Last year and I laughed at the price they are changing. It was more than than my apartment cost. I thought it was a joke.
I do think they could try in the south Korean Market. I was based in Korea for over 8 years, and I saw a big chance for the auto industry there. I would be interested to go back there if the right opportunity come along.
Another GM idiocy? Maybe there is room for Opel in China, but it won’t be easy to occupy it. One can only try.
But why compete with Holden? And 2 South-American country’s? That means competing with the local Chevrolet’s, which are in some cases also rebadged Opel’s.
Within 5 years, half of these ‘new markets’ will be abandoned by Opel. China will probably stay in the line-up.
Lets see if Opel returning to Australia means a return of 4 cylinder 2 litres engines back into the Commodore….
My sisters car had one on those but goes much better with the Skyline motor it has now