Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GM board votes to close first Opel factory in decades]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/gm-board-votes-to-close-first-opel-factory-in-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/gm-board-votes-to-close-first-opel-factory-in-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/gm-board-votes-to-close-first-opel-factory-in-decades/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Opel factory

Europe's ailing economy has caused the supervisory board at General Motors, which includes four senior executives, to vote to end production of the Opel Zafira MPV at the 50-year-old Bochum plant in Germany. The closing of the car factory marks the first closure of a German automobile assembly plant in decades, and it will cost Buchum (a city with nearly 375,000 residents in the western part of the country) about 3,000 jobs.

Some doubted that GM would shift production and tooling of the Zafira out of Bochum before 2017 (the end of the model's life cycle), as it is a move that will prove costly to the automaker, but those hopes were dashed earlier this week. "General Motors said they were willing at most to keep 1,200 people on board, but nothing was set in stone. It never made any concrete binding offer to the workforce, so our entire staff would have had to hope they kept up their end of the bargain," Bochum works council head Rainer Einenkel, who is also on the board of Opel, told Reuters.

The vote of closure is not without plenty of controversy. Labour leaders in Bochum are convinced that their colleagues at other German plants endorsed the move in order to keep their Opel factories open. There may be some truth to that, as the decision means that the Opel plant in Ruesselsheim will build the Zafira after the doors at Bochum are locked shut.

GM board votes to close first Opel factory in decades originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bochum factorygm supervisory boardopelopel bochumopel plant closureMon, 22 Apr 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20543813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/gm-board-votes-to-close-first-opel-factory-in-decades/20543813/article-detail.xml 20543813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628.jpg <![CDATA[Opel getting 5.2 billion dollar investment from GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/opel-getting-5-2-billion-dollar-investment-from-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/opel-getting-5-2-billion-dollar-investment-from-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/opel-getting-5-2-billion-dollar-investment-from-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Opel Headquarters

Never fear, Opel fans. General Motors isn't sending the brand out to pasture. The European automaker is set to receive a massive $5.2 billion investment from GM between now and 2016 as part of a larger effort to solidify Opel as GM's design and manufacturing backbone in Europe. Opel plans to return to profitability by the middle of this decade under its DRIVE!2022 business plan, and the cash infusion from GM should help make that projection a reality. Even so, it may be some time before Opel is able to turn its fortunes around.

The automaker lost $1.8 billion last year, up from $700 million the year prior. Opel faces numerous challenges compounded by the fact that the European Union continues to be mired in economic slump. Even so, the new investment helps put rumors that GM had plans to sell Opel to bed. You can read the full press release on the funds below.

Continue reading Opel getting 5.2 billion dollar investment from GM

Opel getting 5.2 billion dollar investment from GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgminvestmentopelopel investmentWed, 10 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/opel-getting-5-2-billion-dollar-investment-from-gm/20536286/article-detail.xml 20536286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-headquarters-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-headquarters-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



We checked out the Opel Adam R2 Rally concept and its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque at the Geneva Motor Show. The one-make series the car was built for, the ADAC Opel Ralleye Cup, has kicked off with 24 teams in identically prepared cars lining up for eight races in this inaugural season.

Meant to help young drivers find a less expensive way into motorsports, the championship is part of the German ADAC Rally Masters series and will actually run 140-hp cars. We're not sure how much the Opel prepped by Holzer Motorsport for this series costs, but English company M-sport prepares an R2-spec Ford Fiesta with 170 hp for 43,000 pounds (about $66,000 US). There's 100,000 euros in prize money up for grabs and the cup winner gets career help, a shot at the Adam R2 car in 2014 and a chance to hop into rally-prepped Opel Corsas.

The first video below has shots of the Adam Rallye Cup car on the move. For more footage and a closer look at the car, the second video has more rolling footage and an interview - in Danish with no subtitles, sadly - with the Danish rally team of 22-year-old Simon Lund Larsen and co-driver Ole R. Frederiksen.

Continue reading Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car

Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adacopelopel adamopel adam r2 rally carrallyvideovideosyoutubeTue, 09 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533174/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/20533174/article-detail.xml 20533174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-adam-rallye-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-adam-rallye-video.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Opel Cascada ready to run topless [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-opel-cascada-video-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-opel-cascada-video-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-opel-cascada-video-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Opel Cascada

We got our first glimpse at the Opel Cascada convertible way back in October, but General Motors' European arm is just now getting the chance to show it off here at the Geneva Motor Show a full four and a half months later. The kicker with this droptop Opel is that rumor has it GM is considering a convertible for the Buick brand here in the States, and this Cascada would indeed be a good fit.

Three engine options are available under the hood of the Cascada: a 1.4-liter gasoline turbo-four, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four and a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo-four. All of these powerplants can be had with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The Cascada uses a power-folding soft top that can be operated at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, and it takes just 17 seconds to go from top-up to top-down. GM has also packed the Cascada full of technological goodies including the automaker's new Opel Eye system, which utilizes a front camera to control things like traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, following distance indication and forward collision alert. The system also incorporates a rear camera as well as active park assist and blind spot alert. Basically, it's impossible to crash this thing. Almost.

Scroll down for the full press blast with all the details, as well as a video of the new droptop in motion. Don't forget to click through our high-res image galleries above and below, as well.

Continue reading 2013 Opel Cascada ready to run topless [w/video]

2013 Opel Cascada ready to run topless [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 opel cascadacascadagenevageneva 2013geneva motor showopelThu, 07 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490891/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/2013-opel-cascada-video-geneva-2013/20490891/article-detail.xml 20490891 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opelcascada_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opelcascada.jpg <![CDATA[Opel gets crossover cute with the Adam Rocks Concept [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/opel-gets-crossover-cute-with-the-adam-rocks-concept-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/opel-gets-crossover-cute-with-the-adam-rocks-concept-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/opel-gets-crossover-cute-with-the-adam-rocks-concept-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel Adam Rocks Concept

Looking to inject some machismo into its cute and lovable Adam, Opel rolled out a new concept version of its Fiat 500 fighter, called the Adam Rocks. This concept makes the Adam look a little meatier with a taller and wider stance while the plastic lower body cladding adds a crossover-like ruggedness to the small hatchback's design.

Another key part of Adam Rocks Concept is the sliding fabric top, which creates a large opening in the roof without eliminating the side rails - similar to the Fiat 500C. For now, Opel is just calling the Adam Rocks Concept a design study, but it definitely looks like it could make for a fun little vehicle for European buyers. Scroll down for a short video and press release from Opel.

Continue reading Opel gets crossover cute with the Adam Rocks Concept [w/video]

Opel gets crossover cute with the Adam Rocks Concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 opel adam rocks conceptadamadam rocksadam rocks conceptgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showopelWed, 06 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/opel-gets-crossover-cute-with-the-adam-rocks-concept-w-video/20490594/article-detail.xml 20490594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-adam-rocks-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-adam-rocks-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Adam looking to get dirty with friends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/opel-adam-looking-to-get-dirty-with-friends/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/opel-adam-looking-to-get-dirty-with-friends/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/opel-adam-looking-to-get-dirty-with-friends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Opel Adam Rally Car - jumping in the snow

If there's a single phrase in the automotive lexicon that makes us want to obliterate our delicate middle ear organs with a pickaxe, it's "lifestyle car." Opel has taken the unfortunate step of dropping the company's Adam into that phylum, which is a shame since the little runabout looks downright dashing in rally guise. Opel has just announced that it will show off its new FIA R2-spec Adam at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. Expect to see the little competitor go through homologation and final development early this year, with privateer teams able to purchase their own shortly thereafter.

With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 185 horsepower and 140 pound feet of torque in rally spec, the Adam should be reasonably quick. A five-speed sequential transmission and limited slip differential put that muscle down, and four-piston Brembo front brakes help bring the party to a stop. The driver also gets the luxury of a hydraulic handbrake and the cabin is fitted with Sparco competition seats, an LCD gear indicator and a MONIT trip computer. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Opel is also set to show off its Adam ROCKS Concept. The design study is an "urban mini-crossover" that's both wider and taller than the current production Adam. Check out out in the associated gallery, and be sure to take a peek at the quick press release.

Continue reading Opel Adam looking to get dirty with friends

Opel Adam looking to get dirty with friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 geneva motor showadamadam rally cargenevageneva 2013geneva motor showopelopel adam rally carrally carWed, 06 Feb 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449294/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/opel-adam-looking-to-get-dirty-with-friends/20449294/article-detail.xml 20449294 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/opel-adam-rally-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/opel-adam-rally-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The European financial crisis has claimed another victim, as Opel has stated that it is going to close its Bochum, Germany facility. The closure is set to occur in 2016, when the current Opel Zafira minivan ends its production run. According to Automotive News Europe, parent company General Motors is looking to minimize the impact to the 3,300-strong workforce by adapting the plant to focus on component and distribution efforts.

According to the report, GM believes the economy in Europe will not recover until 2014, and that this move was unavoidable. GM expects losses of between $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion from its Opel and Vauxhall brands in Europe. To try and stem the hemorrhaging, Opel is forced to lay off 2,600 employees, resulting in a $300 million spending cut. Another $500 million in cost cutting is excepted between from to 2013, through 2015 as part of a plan called Drive Opel 2022. The decade-long plan is rooted in cost-cutting, reorganization, and re-focusing products and marketing. As part of this plan, Opel will launch 23 new models between now and 2016.

Still, the plant closure comes as a blow to many Opel employees, and the labor union has hopes to save the Bochum facility. Unions, as well as the German Government, expect General Motors to compensate those who lose their jobs in this closure with appropriate severance packages. GM Europe stated that it is trying to move component production to the Ruhr Valley region, where the Bochum factory is located. It will be able to save some jobs through this effort, though certainly not all 3,300.

Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgermanygmgm europeopelopel zafiravauxhallzafiraMon, 10 Dec 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/20398487/article-detail.xml 20398487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628.jpg <![CDATA[Opel plans return to motorsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/opel-plans-return-to-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/opel-plans-return-to-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/opel-plans-return-to-motorsport/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



With a financial crisis ravaging the European automotive industry, many automakers have tightened budgets, and motorsports programs have, in many cases, been among the first things to go. That's the case at Ford and Mini, but it's the opposite at Opel, which announced its return to motorsports in the form of spec series for two very fun-looking hatchbacks.

The first racer is the Opel Adam Cup, which will participate in the ADAC Rally Masters competition for the Opel Rally Cup Trophy. The series will closely match FIA R2 specifications, and will offer special coaching for younger drivers that place well in the "junior rally" system. There will also be cash prizes.

If hosing the dirt off your car after every race isn't your thing, there's the Astra OPC Cup. Featuring Opel Astra OPC, the highlight of the season will be a 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring. As with the Adam Cup, there will be cash prizes.

There's plenty of history here. Opel's rally exploits included a European Championship title in 1974, and again in 1979. This success was followed by campaigns in DTM in the 1990's, culminating in a constructor championship in 1998. Opel also found overall victory in the 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring in 2003. To read up more on Opel's and its new racecars, check out the press release below.

Continue reading Opel plans return to motorsport

Opel plans return to motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam cupastraopelopel adamopel adam cupopel astrarally racingSun, 25 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/opel-plans-return-to-motorsport/20385721/article-detail.xml 20385721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/opel-racing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/opel-racing.jpg <![CDATA[GM, Peugeot cease tie-up talks over French bailout issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The partnership General Motors (via Opel) and PSA Peugeot/Citroën began in February has produced more declarations and revisions than easily identifiable positive movement. A deeper collaboration between Opel and Peugeot has been mentioned a few times, perhaps even a sale of one to the other, and a report in October laid out joint plans like a small MPV for Opel/Vauxhall, a small car for both Opel and Citroën and two new platforms for small and midsize cars.

What observers can't glean from the proclamations is how all this can happen with Peugeot in constant, and worsening, financial trouble. The French company just accepted a bailout from the French government, the cash position at its lending arm so bad that the interest rates it had to charge were pricing it out of the car-loan market, and a new report in Reuters says that Peugeot is losing $200 million per month.

That cash-burn rate is better than a few months ago, but the Reuters report explains that the French government loan is "sabotaging" any chance of a closer tie-up between the two companies, said to include the possibility of "a full combination of Peugeot with GM's European unit Opel." That particular option, with a $5-billion buy-in from GM, could have allowed GM to get Opel off its books by making it part of a separate entity. The French government's terms for the loan, however, mean that Peugeot can't shed workers and factories as it would need to in order to make the new entity, and any deeper ties with Opel, viable.

Beyond that, the plan to jointly develop a small car for Peugeot in Brazil has been shelved, Peugeot has left Iran, it's second largest global market, and has given up ties on other technology projects with Ford and BMW. GM has no interest in other Peugeot initiatives like a push into India and rechargeable hybrids. It's said that more cooperation between the two will have to wait for a turnaround in the European market, expected in 2014.

GM, Peugeot cease tie-up talks over French bailout issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenfrancegmgm peugeotopelpeugeotpsa peugeot citroenvauxhallWed, 14 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/20378903/article-detail.xml 20378903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gmpugworse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gmpugworse.jpg <![CDATA[Opel curtails plans for Adam EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/opel-curtails-plans-for-adam-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/opel-curtails-plans-for-adam-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/opel-curtails-plans-for-adam-ev/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Opel Adam

With the price premium of electric vehicles still high, Opel is reportedly holding off on development of the Adam EV to avoid giving customers sticker shock. According to Automotive News Europe, Opel was working on an electric version of the Adam minicar that was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, but the price the automaker would have had to charge for the final product was apparently too high to reasonably ask for from customers.

The article says that Opel had already made an Adam EV test mule using components from the electric Chevrolet Spark that goes into production next year. Even using shared technology, however, the anticipated pricing made it a bad business case. Opel's head of sales and marketing, Alfred Rieck laid out the chicken-and-egg scenario, saying that some customers are not willing to pay the higher prices for EVs right now, but that the only thing that will drive the prices down is increased sales.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see where the Spark EV is priced and how well it does with customers.

Opel curtails plans for Adam EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adamadam evopelSun, 11 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373963/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/11/opel-curtails-plans-for-adam-ev/20373963/article-detail.xml 20373963 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Cascada is Europe's Buick convertible [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/opel-cascada-is-europes-buick-regal-convertible-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/opel-cascada-is-europes-buick-regal-convertible-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/opel-cascada-is-europes-buick-regal-convertible-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As we reported earlier, there has been much speculation regarding a Buick convertible of sorts. The most ringing endorsement of this conjecture comes today from General Motors Europe, as the new Opel Cascada has debuted on the interwebs. Opel calls the four-passenger Cascada an "athletic, glamorous midsize convertible." With a length of 4,697mm (185 in.), the Cascada is as long as an Audi A5, to which GM has said it would be slightly larger.

The Cascada, which is Spanish for waterfall, features a cloth convertible top that retracts in 17 seconds and at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The Cascada features a 1.4-liter turbo gas engine, 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 165 horsepower and a range-topping 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine that puts out 170 horsepower and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft). Power is sent through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

According to GM, the Cascada will also come rife with luxury and tech features. In addition to adaptive forward lighting and ergonomic heated front seats, the convertible will feature Opel Eye, which is a front camera that can recognize traffic signs and incorporates lane departure warning and forward collision alert.

Given GM's propensity for re-badging Opels as Buicks, it's not far out of the realm of possibility that we could see this vehicle Stateside wearing a Buick badge. Though the Cascada's design takes some cues from the Insignia sedan, which we know in the US as the Regal, the platform on which it rides is shared by the Verano, so what it would be called in North America is anyone's guess. How about Velite?

Continue reading Opel Cascada is Europe's Buick convertible [w/video]

Opel Cascada is Europe's Buick convertible [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 opel cascadabuickcascadaconvertibledelta IIgeneral motorsgmopelregalveranoWed, 17 Oct 2012 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20352717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/17/opel-cascada-is-europes-buick-regal-convertible-w-video/20352717/article-detail.xml 20352717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/02-opel-cascadia-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/02-opel-cascadia-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM pondering even closer Opel joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Opel Adam live on show stand - copper with white wheels and top

Let's face it, even when they go well, partnerships rarely go as planned. Almost eight months after General Motors spent $423 million to snag seven percent of Peugeot, we on the outside are still wondering what the plan is. When the tie-up was announced, the main benefits were listed as purchasing power and platform sharing, and only a month after that, a deeper collaboration was discussed that would involve development of a dual-clutch transmission and a small car for Latin America.

We don't know what's come of it other than a potential write-down and Peugeot continuing to take a beating, but Reuters reports that the first phase of the venture is complete and now the two companies are working on more involvement for the second phase. A French newspaper report says one option for advancement would be the two companies becoming 50-50 partners, with GM kicking in more money for the privilege of doing so. Neither side would comment, but according to one Reuters source, the options on the table have also included "selling Opel to Peugeot, buying Peugeot's automotive business or putting them all together in a new entity."

If Peugeot bought Opel or vice versa, that would make sense - but only for the seller, who could wash his hands of the misery. The buyer would then have two poorly performing brands with deep structural problems, huge cash requirements and two national governments chaperoning its moves. We're not sure how the other possibilities mentioned could help Peugeot or Opel out of their quandaries, but we know something has to happen so it's likely we'll hear more soon enough.

GM pondering even closer Opel joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmgm peugeotopelpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenSat, 13 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/20348974/article-detail.xml 20348974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks.jpg <![CDATA[Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sale Denials Aside, GM's Future Looks Brighter With One Less European Partner

rusty opel

If GM can find a way to kick its German unit to the curb, it will do so in a heartbeat.

Even though the recent rumors of Opel being sold by General Motors to Fiat were roundly denied, there is still a lot of merit in the idea of an Opel-less GM. And you can be sure that if the company can find a way to kick its German unit to the curb, it will do so in a heartbeat. Here's five reasons why GM should be looking for a way out:

First: Opel is a money loser. The European economy is not only in shambles, but is one of the most competitive car markets on the planet. There is excess capacity, heavy discounting and no one wants to be the first to blink by shutting down factories thereby losing market share and more importantly increasing unemployment in their home country. In this environment, Opel is sure to remain a money loser for the foreseeable future and will soak up profits generated by GM North America just to stay afloat.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel

Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgeneral motorsgmmatt delorenzoopelopel saleThu, 11 Oct 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/20348089/article-detail.xml 20348089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/rusty-opel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/rusty-opel.jpg <![CDATA[GM says it will not sell Opel, Fiat still ready to buy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/gm-says-it-will-not-sell-opel-fiat-still-ready-to-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/gm-says-it-will-not-sell-opel-fiat-still-ready-to-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/gm-says-it-will-not-sell-opel-fiat-still-ready-to-buy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

General MotorsAutomotive News reports General Motors has no interest in selling Opel. The statement comes after an Italian newspaper implied Fiat was ready to buy the brand should the alliance between GM and PSA/Peugeot Citroen fail. The publication reported that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is already crafting a proposal to acquire the German brand in the event GM calls it quits, using a strategy similar to the one that saw Fiat win Chrysler.

Fiat has declined to comment on the situation, but GM Vice Chairman Stephen Grisky said in a statement that GM stands behind Opel and that the brand is "a fully integrated part of GM's global footprint."

Grisky also said the GM-PSA alliance is still strong.

This isn't the first time rumors have swirled around Fiat's lust for Opel. The Italian brand attempted to buy Opel once before in 2009 when GM was briefly in bankruptcy. The American manufacturer eventually settled on keeping Opel, however. Meanwhile, Marchionne has said the European auto industry will have to consolidate if it is to survive the region's economic downturn.

GM says it will not sell Opel, Fiat still ready to buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatgeneral motorsgmopelsergio marchionneFri, 05 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/05/gm-says-it-will-not-sell-opel-fiat-still-ready-to-buy/20342730/article-detail.xml 20342730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gm-250-1349447036_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gm-250-1349447036.jpg <![CDATA[How Detroit is being dragged down by the ills of Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/how-detroit-is-being-dragged-down-by-the-ills-of-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/how-detroit-is-being-dragged-down-by-the-ills-of-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/how-detroit-is-being-dragged-down-by-the-ills-of-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Big Three Bracing For Bad News From Overseas



Folks in Detroit could be in for some bad news in a few weeks, and that has nothing to do with who they're planning to vote for in the upcoming election.

In fact, General Motors and Ford will be rolling out their third-quarter earnings just in time for the presidential balloting, and while the U.S. economy has buoyed the industry at a level few might have expected at the start of 2012, the latest quarterly numbers will be hard hit by events on the other side of the Atlantic.

Between them, General Motors and Ford are likely to lose in excess of $500 million - some analysts put the red ink closer to $1 billion - for the July-September quarter. And for the full year, the domestics could run up a deficit closer to $4 billion if you include Fiat SpA, the Italian partner of Chrysler, according to analysts' consensus estimates.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading How Detroit is being dragged down by the ills of Europe

How Detroit is being dragged down by the ills of Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallycarlos ghosnchevroletchryslerdan akersondetroiteuropefeaturedgeneral motorsmartin winterkornopelsergio marchionnesteve girskyvolkswagenThu, 04 Oct 2012 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/04/how-detroit-is-being-dragged-down-by-the-ills-of-europe/20342023/article-detail.xml 20342023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ilfullxfull.307243403-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ilfullxfull.307243403-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Adam is the little hatch to begin a big turnaround]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/opel-adam-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/opel-adam-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/opel-adam-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Opel Adam

Opel's bottom line suffers from a medical condition called "hemorrhaging" and investment bank Morgan Stanley isn't alone in believing that General Motors should let the German brand go. But they haven't seen the Opel Adam. The diminutive hatch that can come off as a little bulbous up front and busy all over depending on the angle of the photo has a welcoming presence in person. Of course, it's too much to ask that this one petite runabout reverse the fortunes of a company on the wrong side of profitability for more than a decade, but to our eyes, it's a great candidate to lead the charge.

Buyers of the Opel/Vauxhall warrior in the premium subcompact segment get a five-speed manual transmission tied to one of three gasoline engines in 69-, 86- and 99-horsepower classifications. Next year will see the introduction of the three-cylinder engines that GM has developed with its Chinese partner SAIC. In the UK, it will start at around £11,000 ($17k USD including Value Added Tax) and will find space in its tiny frame for features like stop/start, ESP, Hill Start Assist, airbags all around and dual-mode power steering.

The Jam, Glam and Slam trim lines will start hitting streets next year. For now there are high-res galleries and a press release below.

Opel Adam is the little hatch to begin a big turnaround originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adamopelparisparis 2012paris motor showvauxhallThu, 27 Sep 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/opel-adam-paris-2012/20334677/article-detail.xml 20334677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-opel-adam-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-opel-adam-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #299 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-299-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-299-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-299-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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We record Episode #299 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #299

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #299 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busgmmicrobusopelpodcastpodcast qavolkswagenMon, 10 Sep 2012 17:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-299-live/20320286/article-detail.xml 20320286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Morgan Stanley says GM should bail on Opel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/morgan-stanley-says-gm-should-bail-on-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/morgan-stanley-says-gm-should-bail-on-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/morgan-stanley-says-gm-should-bail-on-opel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel badge

General Motors should walk away from its European brand and settle its losses, one financial institution said this week in a report.

Morgan Stanley analysts said Thursday that Opel has cost GM $10 billion to $20 billion over the past three years, and if GM keeps the brand, it will cost it up to another $12 billion over the next 10 years. Even selling off Opel could cost GM up to $13 billion, the report concluded.

GM considered selling off the brand three years ago when the company filed for bankruptcy protection. However, that plan ultimately failed when the board of directors turned it down. Since then, Opel has had several changes in leadership and remains plagued with financial problems.

Of course, GM remains supportive of Opel in public. "We are committed to Opel and believe we can restore it to long-term profitability," GM spokesman Jim Cain told the The Detroit Free Press in an e-mail.

Morgan Stanley says GM should bail on Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefinancial crisisgeneral motorsgmmorgan stanelyopelFri, 07 Sep 2012 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/morgan-stanley-says-gm-should-bail-on-opel/20318565/article-detail.xml 20318565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/opel-badge-opt-1340897481_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/opel-badge-opt-1340897481.jpg <![CDATA[Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/opel-cutting-work-hours-in-two-plants-to-avoid-layoffs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/opel-cutting-work-hours-in-two-plants-to-avoid-layoffs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/opel-cutting-work-hours-in-two-plants-to-avoid-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel Insignia OPC wagon - rear three-quarter view

Trying to make the best of a nasty situation for everyone involved, Opel has reportedly worked out an agreement with its Works Council and the IG Metall union to reduce working hours at two of its plants. From the end of September until the end of the year, there will be 20 days of short shifts and short working days for two Opel facilities: the Rüsselsheim factory that builds the Insignia and Astra and the Kaiserslautern component plant. About half of the 13,800 Rüsselsheim employees will be affected, including everyone but engineers, along with all 2,500 workers at Kaiserslautern.

The move helps keep people employed, and a German goverment program called Kurzarbeit - short work - will reimburse workers either 60 or 67 percent of their lost wages. Analysts commenting on the plan say, yet again, that it will not help the practically Europe-wide issue of overcapacity, which in the case of General Motors is said to equal the output of ten factories. Nor will it help Opel's slide: deliveries in the first half of this year are down 15 percent. The Adam subcompact and the promised restructuring can't come soon enough.

Continue reading Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs

Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astrafactoriesig metallinsigniakaiserslauternopelopel workersplantsrusselsheimFri, 24 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307620/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/opel-cutting-work-hours-in-two-plants-to-avoid-layoffs/20307620/article-detail.xml 20307620 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/opelshortwork_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/opelshortwork.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Insignia OPC getting facelift. Will the Buick Regal GS see it, too?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/opel-insignia-opc-getting-facelift-will-the-buick-regal-gs-see/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/opel-insignia-opc-getting-facelift-will-the-buick-regal-gs-see/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/opel-insignia-opc-getting-facelift-will-the-buick-regal-gs-see/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Open Insignia OPC spy shots - front three-quarter view on track, camouflaged

We've seen spy shots of the base Opel Insignia wearing facelifted front and rear ends, and now it appears that the more potent OPC version will be benefitting from a nip/tuck, as well.

The front bumper has been redesigned, incorporating new air intakes - toned-down versions of the model's signature fangs - as well as a new grille. Out back, there will be minimal changes to the overall fascia, most likely stuff like slightly redesigned taillamps, and inside, these spy shots show a larger navigation/infotainment screen sitting atop the center console.

This is all well and good for the Insignia, but we're wondering how these changes will impact North America's Buick Regal GS. No, it may not share the same powertrain punch as the Euro-spec OPC, but visually, the cars are nearly identical. When questioned about possible changes for the GS, a Buick spokesperson told us that the automaker "can't comment" on any changes at this point. Even so, we wouldn't be surprised if some small changes come our way in the next year or so.

Opel Insignia OPC getting facelift. Will the Buick Regal GS see it, too? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick regalbuick regal gsgeneral motorsinsigniaopcopelopel insigniaopel insignia opcregalregal gsspy photosspy picsspy shotsTue, 07 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/opel-insignia-opc-getting-facelift-will-the-buick-regal-gs-see/20295141/article-detail.xml 20295141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-opel-insignia-opc-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-opel-insignia-opc-spy-shots628opt.jpg -1 2