GM is developing four new models for Opel, according to Automobilwoche, quoting GM vice chairman [aka ‘product czar’] Bob Lutz.
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These will include a small SUV positioned below the Opel Antara, although a final decision has not yet been made. This is a growing segment that has thus far been ignored by GM, partly because it is a segment occupied by Suzuki, in which GM had a major shareholding until March this year. GM would target sales of around 200,000 units a year globally but the vehicle would probably be built in Thailand, Mexico or India, rather than Europe.
Another new model will be a new compact car positioned between the Opel Astra estate and the Zafira, designed to compete with the Golf Plus. The car could be built at Bochum.
In addition GM is planning to build an upscale model using the next Vectra platform, and it has not ruled out a small car at the bottom of the market, such as the Trixx concept shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
The article also says that GM will restructure its engine manufacturing network in Europe. Its smallest engine plant in Södertälje will be closed and around 60,000 Saab engines will be produced at the Kaiserslautern, Germany, plant instead.
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