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Opel SA has begun a new era and launched four models to kick things off. The automaker told Wheels24 how it intends to revitalise the brand and what fans expect soon...
The "new" and revitalised Opel brand in South Africa has fired a four-shot salvo at the market. They are the:
Opel Astra sedan
Opel Corsa facelift
Opel Meriva 1.4 Turbo Enjoy
Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition
The automaker told Wheels24 how it intends to revitalise the brand and what fans expect in the future.
'MOST DESIRABLE PRODUCT'
Wheels24: Opel has been struggling for years, how do you intend to revitalise the brand in SA? future.
President and managing director of General Motors SA, Mario Spangenberg, said: "Opel has one of the most desirable product line-ups in our history. While it’s true we've been struggling for years, especially in Europe, we're focusing on building our brand and making a comeback.
"Opel has been losing money for years, that’s common knowledge. We were nearly sold off. The good news is that during our bankruptcy General Motors realised that we have some much tech that trickled through to other vehicles in the family and had quality personell we couldn't lose. It was decided that GM would reinvest in Opel."
W24: What does this mean for Opel fans in South Africa?
Spangenberg said: “We’re going to upgrade our existing models and bring new ones to the market. We’re going to lift the brand up in South Africa."
'WE HAVE A FOUR-FOLD PLAN'
GMSA's vice-president Ian Nicholls added: "General Motors supports Opel, in fact the company has invested four-billion Euros into the brand. Opel represents quality, efficiency and engineering. Our line-up is better than it’s ever been, which is at odds with what’s been happening economically in the industry.
"We have a four-fold plan: Increase revenue by improving the value of the brand, gain market share, enter new countries/markets and over the next few years launch 23 models and 13 engines.”
W24: So what can we expect from Opel over the next few years?
Nicholls said: "You will see an increased focus from Opel in SA. We’re going to expand our model range and expect to see more of a push in terms of marketing and dealer presence from us. We’re bringing back the Opel image of old."
With a renewed focus from Opel, do you not foresee clashes with (sister brand) Chevrolet?
Nicholls said: "Opel appeals to a different type of customer compared to Chevrolet. We won’t see a pricing overlap in Chev and Opel products. Our models are complementary, they do not clash."
The "new" and revitalised Opel brand in South Africa has fired a four-shot salvo at the market. They are the:
Opel Astra sedan
Opel Corsa facelift
Opel Meriva 1.4 Turbo Enjoy
Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition
The automaker told Wheels24 how it intends to revitalise the brand and what fans expect in the future.
'MOST DESIRABLE PRODUCT'
Wheels24: Opel has been struggling for years, how do you intend to revitalise the brand in SA? future.
President and managing director of General Motors SA, Mario Spangenberg, said: "Opel has one of the most desirable product line-ups in our history. While it’s true we've been struggling for years, especially in Europe, we're focusing on building our brand and making a comeback.
"Opel has been losing money for years, that’s common knowledge. We were nearly sold off. The good news is that during our bankruptcy General Motors realised that we have some much tech that trickled through to other vehicles in the family and had quality personell we couldn't lose. It was decided that GM would reinvest in Opel."
W24: What does this mean for Opel fans in South Africa?
Spangenberg said: “We’re going to upgrade our existing models and bring new ones to the market. We’re going to lift the brand up in South Africa."
'WE HAVE A FOUR-FOLD PLAN'
GMSA's vice-president Ian Nicholls added: "General Motors supports Opel, in fact the company has invested four-billion Euros into the brand. Opel represents quality, efficiency and engineering. Our line-up is better than it’s ever been, which is at odds with what’s been happening economically in the industry.
"We have a four-fold plan: Increase revenue by improving the value of the brand, gain market share, enter new countries/markets and over the next few years launch 23 models and 13 engines.”
W24: So what can we expect from Opel over the next few years?
Nicholls said: "You will see an increased focus from Opel in SA. We’re going to expand our model range and expect to see more of a push in terms of marketing and dealer presence from us. We’re bringing back the Opel image of old."
With a renewed focus from Opel, do you not foresee clashes with (sister brand) Chevrolet?
Nicholls said: "Opel appeals to a different type of customer compared to Chevrolet. We won’t see a pricing overlap in Chev and Opel products. Our models are complementary, they do not clash."
