Search Car Reviews



See all makes



Opel set to sell cars in Australia

Brand’s expansion into new markets could be boost for British jobs at Ellesmere Port plant.

Opel Astra

By Tom Phillips

January 2011

Opel is set to start selling cars outside of Europe from next year, which could lead to a boost for the Vauxhall plant at Ellesmere Port, near Liverpool.

GM Europe boss Nick Reilly said that Opels will be sold in countries like Chile, Israel and Australia, with sales of the Insignia, Astra and Corsa models due to start Down Under next year. 

Reilly added: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.” 

Reilly said that the target is to sell more than 100,000 Opels outside Europe, with right-hand drive Astras being built on Merseyside and shipped to Oz.

GM already has the Holden brand in Australia, but Opel would sit above that, much like the relationship that Chevrolet and Vauxhall have in the UK.

As well as its efforts in Chile, Israel and Australia, Opel is evaluating selling cars in Argentina, the Middle East, South Africa and China.

GM nearly sold a majority stake in its European operations in 2009. However, the firm elected to restructure Opel and Vauxhall instead, closing its Antwerp plant, slimming down production at Bochum in Germany and losing 8,000 workers - 5,000 of which have already gone.

Reilly added that he expected GM Europe to be in profit by 2012 and that the underlying business "has a chance to break even in 2011 not counting restructuring costs."

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

6 Comments

Mr Seen

About bloody time Opel! the local arm GM Holden have been sourcing and 're-badging' Korean small cars for years and they do not hold a candle to the European equivalent in terms of quality and design. Will have to be competitively priced against VW though.

By seann072 on 11 January, 2011, 5:11pm

Import the Astra & Corsa but not Insignia because they kill it. Like when they had the Victra. 2 Models after there toyata base Camry medium phony Holden.

By deviras on 13 January, 2011, 8:31am

i thought holden already made an astra, and the corsa is a berina if im not mistaken... totally pointless

By chinsip on 13 January, 2011, 9:30am

Depp

This is commendable because Ford of Europe and sells its Mondeo in Australia. I think that the price of this Mondeo is significantly lower than in Europe, although the Australian Ford Mondeo for a real premium product. Same goes for Opel, as compared to cheaper and poorer Holden. The only problem was that by such distant markets was awarded a European punished - a higher price. Audi its models sold in the USA cheaply ...

By Depp1 on 13 January, 2011, 12:33pm

uhm... opels have been sold in South Africa for decades. Almost retracted last year, only leaving the Corsa, but Astra back.South Africa's volumes might not be evident in the bigger scheme, but they have been around for just about ever.

By danielbez on 17 January, 2011, 9:12am

Vauxhall next?

I wonder just how long the Vauxhall name will continue in the UK. It's not used in any other market (including Eire) and I doubt it makes financial sense to keep it going. Three or four years calling the brand Opel/Vauxhall to get people used to the idea and then.........
Having said that, I'd be sorry to see it go, given its long history.

By j_harden on 15 January, 2011, 4:14pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -