After months of turmoil, most people associated with the Opel/Vauxhall brands are just happy they have a future at all – and now they have a clearer idea of what form that future is likely to take.
During a weekend conference call, GM Europe CEO Nick Reilly outlined that developing a mini for the brand “will be our top priority”. He said that Opel will also continue with light commercial vehicles, while discussing funding needs and structure.
To the relief of many, Reilly also confirmed that production of the Ampera (the European version of the Chevrolet Volt) will continue as planned. According to Reilly, the company is looking at “introducing hybrids” and initially the car will be imported from the US, but in the long term they want a local source. Ellesmere Port is believed to be one of the candidates with the company also looking into battery technology and electric vehicles.
The company has restructured with General Motors now having two organisations in Europe: Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet Europe. Reilly will be accountable for Opel/Vauxhall while Wayne Brannon will take control of Chevrolet Europe and report to Reilly.
