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Opel is a German auto manufacturer owned by General Motors. Opel builds mostly rebadged GM products such as the Opel Ampera.
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Chevy Volt Plant Delays Second Shift
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General Motors has announced its decision to delay the addition of a second shift for the Chevy Volt assembly plant. Intended to meet projections for the Volt to double its production by 2012, the second shift is no longer necessary as a plant overhaul conducted this summer plus a modest addition of 300 workers working…
General Motors Regional Divisions Now Profitable, Opel Included
While General Motors seemed desperate to sell Opel back in 2009, GM CEO Dan Akerson now says that the terms of the sale were a “bad deal” and that Opel, along with GM’s other global divisions, are now profitable. Nick Reilly, GM’s European president, said that GM Europe will be profitable – albeit not by…
2012 Car of the Year Candidates Chosen
It’s that time of the year again as Car of the Year begins the laborious task of whittling down new Car of the Year contenders for 2012. A total of 59 journalists, representing automotive authorities across 23 European countries, have been recruited for the task of choosing top car. The number of journalists to represent…
Buick Rebadged Opel Astra GTC Could Be Built In North America
For quite some time now, GM executives in North America have been contemplating distributing Opel’s Astra GTC as a Buick in America. Now there’s a chance that the three-door, sporty vehicle could even be produced in America. In order to satisfy the UAW, GM has plans to build an additional compact car at an unnamed…
Opel/Vauxhall Electric Two-Seater Previewed Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
Conceived as a stylish, urban vehicle aimed at younger buyers, it boasts a range of some 60 miles and is apparently capable of 75 mph, making it suitable for highway use.
Opel Unveiling Astra GTC, Zafira Tourer, Surprise Vehicle At Frankfurt Auto Show
Opel is set to make an impression as this year’s Frankfurt Show which takes place on September 15th to the 25th. Their main focus will be the surprise debut of an experimental car which Opel claims will emphasize the passion for driver-focused vehicles. In addition, the booth will host the world debuts of the Astra…
Berlin Protestors Setting Luxury Cars On Fire
Spurred by the recent riots in London, the Germans have taken to the streets—and their target are the Mercedes, BMW, and Audi cars owned by “fat cats” that are ruining their country. About 138 cars have been torched across Berlin, with 26 just in the past two days. 130 of those have been Benzes; 91…
GM Calls Volkswagen’s Opel-Selling Comments “Regrettable”
Well, this is awkward. Volkswagen said some while back that GM might be selling Opel, possibly to them. It was a statement made by a chief executive, then repeated by German media, then finally catching the attention of GM itself. And now GM is distancing itself from such rumors, calling the statement “regrettable.” “In Wednesday’s…
GM Confirms Commitment to Opel, No Plans to Sell Says CEO Akerson
Nevertheless, speculation, particularly in the German media continues, with reports that GM is ‘reviewing options’ for its European unit, with possibly Volkswagen AG and Bejing Automotive Industry Holding Co being named as potential buyers.
GM Considering Selling Opel Again, This Time To Volkswagen
The ghost of Saturn just can’t cut a break. GM is considering what to do with Opel, its German division that won’t be turning a profit anytime soon. GM last tried to sell Opel in 2009 before giving the ailing brand another chance. But despite increasing its lineup with new vehicles, and even increased sales,…
Vauxhall/Opel Insignia To Spawn Coupe Variant
A “leaked document” (read: dubious rumor) claims that a coupe variant of the Opel Insignia sedan, may wear the famed Calibra badge. The previous Calibra was known for its slippery styling and turbocharged engines, and the Insignia would make a worthy successor. Opel previewed an Insignia Coupe with their GTC Concept, which was powered by…
Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Tops Out At 168 MPH!
General Motors European division Opel seems to be playing on the autobahn recently, because they have just unveiled a new version of the Insignia family car (sold as the Buick Regal here in America) called the OPC Unlimited. While it retains the regular OPC model’s 325-hp engine, the “unlimited” package removes the speed limiter. So…
Former Top Chevy Volt Engineer Hired Away By BMW
General Motors has recently lost one of its star engineers who had been largely responsible for the Chevrolet Volt, Opel and Vauxhall derivatives. According to Automotive News Europe, Opel executive Frank Weber was accepted into BMW, and will answer directly to Klaus Draeger, BMW’s head of research and development. The external hiring from a competitor…
GM to Expand Volt Range to Three Models by 2015
General Motors will look to expand its lineup of extended range electric cars to three models by the time the current Chevrolet Volt’s production cycle has run its course. At least that is GM’s plan for the European market under the Opel/Vauxhall brands where GM has just launched the sister car to the Volt, the…
GM Daewood Planning Two New Subcompacts For Europe, Electric Vehicles For Korea
General Motors is harnessing the small car expertise of their Daewoo division to develop two new small cars, an upscale hatchback to be branded as a Vauxhall or Opel products, and a smaller, less expensive version likely to be sold as a Chevrolet. The new cars are expected to slot in below the diminutive Corsa,…
Lotus To Help With Vauxhall Astra VXR Chassis Development
Vauxhall has turned to Lotus for help with their chassis engineering on their upcoming Astra VXR hot hatch. The input from Lotus will supplement the work done by GM division Opel, which is testing the car on German roads. Lotus has a long tradition of helping third-party manufacturers with their handling and chassis development. Prototypes…
Opel Vivaro e-Concept Brings Chevy Volt Technology to Commercial Vehicle Segment
The Vivaro e-Concept is a plug-in, extended range vehicle that uses technology similar to the Chevy Volt.
GM To Launch Opel In Chile, Israel
General Motors’ Opel division is set to expand outside of Europe with its establishment in Chile and Israel. Reports say that GM has inked a deal with an independent distributor to sell Opel vehicles in Israel, independent of GM’s vehicle distribution channel in the country. Despite selling Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Isuzu, through one channel,…
GM To Launch Opel In World Markets, Possible Conflict With Buick Looming In China?
General Motors is hoping to expand their Opel nameplate beyond its traditional European markets to places like China, Australia, South America and other unspecified Asian countries. GM is hoping to leverage Opel’s premium brand image to expand its lineups in places where the General lacks a foothold in that market segment. Chevrolet (and Holden) are…
GM Plans To Launch 70 Updated Cars And Trucks By 2014
At a recent meeting regarding their proposed IPO, General Motors outlined their new product plans through the year 2014. According to GM’s plans,70 updates vehicles will be launched by 2012, but most of the vehicles will be for global export markets rather than North America. While Opel and Vauxhall were confirmed to get 14 new…
Avatar,Beware! Opel Meriva Gets 3D Advertisement (Video Inside)
3D Technology is the latest gimmick designed to keep us entertained and we have to admit, it can be pretty damn cool, and leaves us wondering how glorious it would be to watch an auto race in three-dimensions, with all of the benefit of being trackside but without the excessive noise, hot weather and overpriced…
GM Withdraws European Loan Applications, Opts to Fund Opel/Vauxhall Programs Itself
However with the German government seeking to enter new negotiations, GM has pulled the plug on external fundling.
Chevy Volt to Wear Buick Badge in China
Thanks to a patent filing process in China, it has been revealed that the Chevy Volt will be badged as a Buick model in what is now the world’s largest auto market. To be more specific, the Opel Ampera (the European version of the Volt) will actually be badged as a Buick. You see, in…
“Hot” Version Of Opel Ampera Spotted, Could Volt Version Be Far Behind
The Vauxhall/Opel Ampera, sister car to the Chevrolet Volt, is set to launch in Europe in 2012, but GM is already preparing a more powerful version in time for the car’s launch, according to AutoExpress. Nothing concrete has been announced, but sources indicate that a larger gasoline engine and a bigger battery will help make…






