Executives at Opel are keen to launch a new model in the premium segment and have been given the blessings of GM’s European boss Carl Peter Forster as well as Opel Chief Hans Demant. Despite concerns of tougher emissions standards and the failed attempt of VW to penetrate the segment with the Phaeton, Opel is seriously looking at launching a new model positioned above the current Vectra range topper. News of an Opel flagship isn’t exactly new. the carmaker first hinted about such a model back in 2000 when it released the imposing Insignia concept. To keep development costs low, execs are considering using an existing GM model as a base and simply designing a unique variant for the Opel brand. During an interview with AutomobilWoche, Hans Demant admitted the market for such cars is small but explained that the car doesn’t have to be built by Opel. Instead, Opel could cooperate with another GM brand that already has such a car and thus avoid any significant financial risk. Demant wasn’t willing to give any details about a possible partner but hinted at Cadillac’s CTS as a likely donor, as the quality of the new Caddy is already on par with many of its European rivals. Another avenue would be to call on engineers at Holden to develop the new car. Such a move isn’t without precedent. Holden’s VE Commodore is already scheduled to hit U.S. shores as the Pontiac G8 and its Caprice luxury barge is headed for China as a Buick. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/general-motors/opel-considers-new-luxury-flagship/ :t-cheers:
Nah, i don't think it's a good idea. Remember when they launched the Signum which was a failure sales-wise? I have a feeling that it's gonna happen the same again. Opel is one of the "affordable" brands. I can't see why they need a luxury flagship? It's like Daewoo who sells their Matiz for 7.000eur, launching a 60.000eur luxury flagship... :t-cheers:
Considering VW pretty failed to go upmarket with a fantastic car like the Phaeton, I have my doubts about what a GM-propelled Opel would do!
Honestly I think this is a good idea. Opel suffers from a lack of image. That car could help them. It just needs not to look like a Vectra!!! If it really looks like the Insignia, or has a special look in the Opel range, it could work. Of course not economically, but it could help the new Vectra, giving Opel a much better image. The Signum did not do that because it looked like a Vectra. No image benefit from an invisible car. The Phaeton should have been differentiated from the Passat, too. However giving the quality of the Phaeton, it really polished the image of VW I think.
It looks quite good in my opinion -- but I wonder if Opel should learn from VWs experiences with the Phaeton.
