Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has apparently ruffled some feathers at General Motors. The American automaker took the time to release a scornful statement about the VW executive's comments toward the beleaguered Eureopean brand, Opel. Apparently, Winterkorn took the time to comment on what he believes the brand faces in the near future while speaking with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, fuelling speculation that Opel is in dire straits and that a sale may be on the horizon. GM shot back by saying that VW is simply nervous about the launch of the Ampera in Europe, and that the automaker is simply trying to sabotage the Opel recovery.
Them's fightin' words.
GM says that due to the strong positive response that the Ampera has garnered so far, the company is now planning to crank out an additional Ampera models to satiate demand. Additionally, the statement makes it clear that Opel is an important part of the GM flock and that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hit the jump to check out the official statement for yourself.
Them's fightin' words.
GM says that due to the strong positive response that the Ampera has garnered so far, the company is now planning to crank out an additional Ampera models to satiate demand. Additionally, the statement makes it clear that Opel is an important part of the GM flock and that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hit the jump to check out the official statement for yourself.
GM Statement in Response to VW Comments on Opel
2011-07-13
The following statement may be attributed to General Motors Co., in response to comments by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn regarding Opel.
DETROIT – General Motors has a longstanding policy of not commenting on rumors and speculation. Unfortunately, some of our competitors do not show similar restraint.
In Wednesday's edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn commented on rumors regarding Opel, which continues a regrettable pattern of fanning speculation as Opel makes solid progress in its restructuring, in generating improved operating results and more.
In this case, it was timed to the incredibly positive media reaction to the groundbreaking Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle, which has been hailed as "a stroke of genius," "the start of a new era," and as a leading industry expert said, places Opel three years ahead of VW.
Because of such enthusiastic reviews and strong customer demand, Opel is ordering an additional 2,000 Amperas for the European market next year.
Opel has been part of the GM family since 1928 and remains important to the company. GM is pleased with Opel's solid progress over the last year in turning around its business, and the company continues to invest in outstanding products for the European market, as the Ampera shows.
2011-07-13
The following statement may be attributed to General Motors Co., in response to comments by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn regarding Opel.
DETROIT – General Motors has a longstanding policy of not commenting on rumors and speculation. Unfortunately, some of our competitors do not show similar restraint.
In Wednesday's edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn commented on rumors regarding Opel, which continues a regrettable pattern of fanning speculation as Opel makes solid progress in its restructuring, in generating improved operating results and more.
In this case, it was timed to the incredibly positive media reaction to the groundbreaking Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle, which has been hailed as "a stroke of genius," "the start of a new era," and as a leading industry expert said, places Opel three years ahead of VW.
Because of such enthusiastic reviews and strong customer demand, Opel is ordering an additional 2,000 Amperas for the European market next year.
Opel has been part of the GM family since 1928 and remains important to the company. GM is pleased with Opel's solid progress over the last year in turning around its business, and the company continues to invest in outstanding products for the European market, as the Ampera shows.
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