Comments on: GM willing to ‘give up’ majority ownership of Opel

By: Wheelnut

Wheelnut — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:30:23 +0000

Shak – I expect the insignia will make it down under eventually.

For starters as the Epsillon platform -on which the Insignia is built was developed under GM ownership if/when Ople breakaway GM will still be able to use the platform as they [apparently] hold the rights to it.

Secondly HSV are looking at adding a couple of new smaller cars to their range including the Corsa and the Insignia. So if HSV can put forward a strong case to import them that may tempt/convince Holden to do the same..

I still think the Insignia is the car Holden should build instead of the new Cruze; as the Cruze is already being built in [cheaper] Korea and the USA whereas the Insignia is only being built in [expensive] Europe.

By: Frontman

Frontman — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:28:45 +0000

Ha Ha Ha D D, He hates cars that can’t turn corners when the steering wheel is turned..

By: Daniel Dacey

Daniel Dacey — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:42:06 +0000

The only logical buyer with the cash to buy Opel is Jeremy Clarkson.

By: Shak

Shak — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:43:34 +0000

Finally opel can be freed from its stupid parent and make the quality ( insignia0 cars that it always has. I hope the insignia comes down here. Idont care what badge it has as long as its godd drive and good quality.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:50:17 +0000

GM’s sales fell by 53% in Feb. 09 against a year ago. Its CEO has confirmed to US officials that if GM does not receive additional US$16 billion of bail out, GM will be in insolvency by the end of this month.

The US government has already spent over US$1 trillion bailing out its banks and AIG (insurance) and might need another $1 trillion more just for those banks and AIG. Can it print money fast enough to save GM as well?

By: Road Warrior

Road Warrior — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:06:58 +0000

Why are Opel running at such a huge loss?? I thought their small cars were well made, efficient and popular.

Am I missing something here??

By: Frontman

Frontman — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:21:51 +0000

I reckon if Opel did split that would leave GM-H with only the Korean product. Can’t see GM Corporate wanting to “buy off” a third party thus increasing the need for cash flow, and I can’t see any new owner of Opel extending GM a line of credit.
As for Opel comming to Aust, that would be years away at present as they would need to concentrate on markets closer to home (volume) first.

Although my first thought was that there should be another badge asscotiated with that group, make it a four cornered company working on small volume niche cars and sharing amongst themselves.

By: Geni

Geni — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:11:15 +0000

I reckon Holden will still be able to source Opel products, as Opel have said that even if they separated they still wanted to work closely with GM for platform and parts sharing. I assume that would also apply to GM subsiduaries, unless Opel plan on entering the Australian market as Opel, a little like Isuzu did recently.

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:59:11 +0000

If opel is to seperate from GM, would that be the end of opel sourced holden like the current astra? perhaps we will only be getting commodore and rebadged daewoo in the future.

By: Cupid Stunt

Cupid Stunt — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:07:47 +0000

How about Opel buying Opel shunning GM and getting on with building cars at a profit. Alternatively a manufacturer who needs to reduce their average emmissions output to comply with Euro legislation. Ferarri/Maserati ??