Opel

The Opel Corsa-e Rally has been revealed ahead of its in-the-flesh debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show in September. Said to be the first electric rally car from a major manufacturer, the Corsa-e Rally features the same 100kW/260Nm electric motor and 50kWh battery as the road-legal production car. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a Torsen differential.

With a new Ford Focus already on sale and the Volkswagen Golf Mark VIII around the corner, the PSA Group has given its Opel and Vauxhall Astra range a freshen up. Externally the differences are slight, with a new grille design incorporating shutters, and redesigned front and rear bumpers being the most obvious changes.

The facelifted Holden Commodore has been spied in wagon-bodied Opel guise during hot weather testing in Europe, ahead of an anticipated reveal later this year. Sold abroad as the Insignia under the Opel and Vauxhall brands, the updated Commodore still wears heavy camouflage at the front and rear to disguise the upcoming design changes.

The PSA Group reportedly approached Fiat Chrysler (FCA) about a merger as early as this year's Detroit motor show in January, only to be rebuffed by the American-Italian company. Sources have told The Wall Street Journal the offer was rejected by FCA, and talks about a possible combination have not recommenced. According to the paper's sources, senior executives at FCA kiboshed the proposal as it would it lead to the automaker being even more reliant on the European market.

German brand Opel could make a return to Australia in a move that would see Commodore and Astra vacate Holden showrooms and leave it with a range of SUVs and utes. The bold plan is one of two confidential proposals reportedly being discussed with General Motors and independent importer Inchcape, a UK-based firm which distributes Subaru, Peugeot and Citroen cars in Australia.