Report: Opel to launch subcompact electric vehicle

Opel, the European arm of General Motors, intends to launch a subcompact electric vehicle to compliment its plug-in hybrid Ampera, according to Automotive News (sub. req.), which, in turn, sources the German newspaper, Welt am Sonntag.

In an interview with the German paper, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, the new head of Opel, was quoted as saying that the automaker needs to expand its lineup to position itself to compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

Part of that expansion reportedly calls for the launch of a battery-powered subcompact possibly based on the Corsa hatchback or the diminutive Opel Agila, a four-door five-seater. Opel has yet to announce a definitive launch date for this subcompact electric.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]