Last week’s proposal by Opel’s union chief Klaus Franz to bring Opel back to the United States made the rounds with lightning speed in the automotive enthusiast community. Some were all for bringing the legendary German marquee to the States, while others were set entirely against it.
And so today we ask you, dear readers: should Opel make a comeback to the US of A? Let your voices be heard in the poll (and comments) below!
Comments
It could work, but only if Opel focuses on a niche hatchback segment. The Astra, Corsa, Meriva (and its smaller siblings) would be perfect for its lineup because GM’s other brands offer nothing like them. Another issue would be deciding which dealerships these Opels should be sold at — Chevy or Buick dealerships?
Why Bring Opel back to the U.S. if GM euthanized 3 brands that were sold here? If you want to bring Opel cars, bring them as one of the 4 brands left (preferably Buick), don’t bring yet another brand over. It’s like going in circles; created Saturn and Geo to compete with imports. They both failed and cost a lot of money to create, push, and finally shutter down. my 2 cents :o)
Opel, with its sleek design, could make hatchbacks cool in North America. I
GM wil not bring Opel to the US due to the fact of importing from Germany is way to expensive and thus no products would be cost competitive. The products that are developed over in Europe may make their way here by actually building them in the states but in no other way and they will all be branded Buick. Prediction: The new sport type 2 door Astra or similiar variant will be built in Orion in the near future and be a Buick hot hatch back to compete against Acura and Lexus. It was also said the new Verano will be produced next year but the plant is currently building test units and it should be out early next year.
I think that Buick should stay (or be) Lexus competitor, If GM to rebadge Opel into Buick for NA they wont be able to compete with Lexus since they are not exactly the same class vehicles. GM needs something like Opel in NA and it would be alright to bring back the Opel. And for Buick to make it’s own unique models to compete with luxury brands.
Completely and totally agree. Buick needs to be soft, pure luxury. Opel can be what it currently is in Europe – efficient, sporty, and German.
Opel will be mainstream, Buick will be a luxury brand. Done deal.