Stellantis is optimistic about the future of Opel and two of its factories in Germany. In an interview with Automobilwoche, leader of Stellantis in Europe, Uwe Hochgeshurtzsaid he was satisfied with the brand and its range.
I am happy with the brand. I am very pleased with the range of products. Opel has been and will remain an independent brand.
The manager of Stellantis then added that Opel it matters a lotand highlighting the potential of its design center in Rüsselsheim, which is one of the most modern in the Sttellantis Group.
Development opportunities are high. We can develop many successful models such as Corsa, Mokka or Astra.
As mentioned at the beginning, Stellaantis is also confident in the future of the two Opel factories in Rüsselsheim and Eisenach. Production sites that have a constant workload, which means, the manager of Stellantis notes, their future is secured. Notably, the Rüsselsheim plant near Frankfurt now also produces the Opel/Vauxhall Astra and DS 4 models. Hochgeschurtz, however, declined to mention where the successor to the Insignia, which was built in Rüsselsheim last year, is located.
There will be a successor to the Insignia with similar specs. We have not yet announced the place of production. The old model was a car from another era, still based on an internal combustion engine platform.
This is also an indication of the future. Thus, the new Insignia will be able to count on at least electrified engines. The new model will arrive next year, so we’ll still have to wait a bit to find out more. Hochgeshurtz said that Opel is now consistently profitable after losing money for nearly two decades through 2017.
Corsa is the most successful small car in Germany. The brand new Astra works very well. Mokka is also in high demand.
Hochgeshurtz said that Opel will focus on sales in European markets. No future plans for ChinaAt the moment.
China is not a problem for Opel now. We sell some vehicles in Latin America and will expand our exports wherever it makes sense. Turkey and North Africa are also good markets for Opel. But the heart of the brand is Europe, including Vauxhall in the UK.
In terms of sales, Opel lost market share in Europe last year (3.8% from 4.1%). According to the manager of Stellantis, the drop in sales is mainly due to the chip crisis and a number of logistical problems that led to a delay in deliveries.