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Just 8 months after it's launch:
http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2013/opel/opel-quits-oz-38007
German GM brand to wind down operations here after slow sales
Opel Australia has closed its doors less than a year after setting up shop in Australia.
General Motors’ German-based subsidiary announced late today that it will cease operations in Australia and commence winding down its dealer network here immediately.
Opel said it was unable to compete with the sharp new pricing of many of its competitors, making its Australian business unprofitable.
“In order to be competitive, Opel Australia would need to follow recent competitor price reductions, and significantly reposition the price of its core volume models,” it said in a statement.
“These changes, combined with the continued investment required to ensure brand awareness, result in a business which is not financially viable for any of the parties involved.”
Before its local launch in August last year as a stand-alone brand, senior officials of Opel in Germany said the company was targeting 15,000 annual sales by 2015.
However, Opel sold just 541 vehicles here last year after it launched the Corsa, Astra and Insignia. So far this year it has sold a further 989 vehicles, via 20 dedicated dealerships and head office team of 15.
GM said it will investigate the potential of rebadging Opel models as Holdens, which could mark a return of nameplates like Astra to Holden showrooms, although how that model would be positioned relative to the locally built Cruze remains to be seen.
“Opel will now begin analysis together with Holden regarding the potential for future Holden-badged niche product, in order to ascertain if opportunities for individual carlines exist.”
Opel has cancelled plans to add the Zafira people-mover to the now defunct Opel range next week.
Opel said it is working closely with employees, dealers and suppliers to conduct the closure process in “an orderly and responsible manner”.
“As always, customers are of the highest priority and Opel Australia will remain in close contact with them, to ensure all on-going obligations to these customers are met. “
Opel must meet all legislator requirements including warranty and spare parts supplies, but affected customers can call the Opel Customer Assistance Centre on 1800 993 677 with any concerns.
http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2013/opel/opel-quits-oz-38007
German GM brand to wind down operations here after slow sales
Opel Australia has closed its doors less than a year after setting up shop in Australia.
General Motors’ German-based subsidiary announced late today that it will cease operations in Australia and commence winding down its dealer network here immediately.
Opel said it was unable to compete with the sharp new pricing of many of its competitors, making its Australian business unprofitable.
“In order to be competitive, Opel Australia would need to follow recent competitor price reductions, and significantly reposition the price of its core volume models,” it said in a statement.
“These changes, combined with the continued investment required to ensure brand awareness, result in a business which is not financially viable for any of the parties involved.”
Before its local launch in August last year as a stand-alone brand, senior officials of Opel in Germany said the company was targeting 15,000 annual sales by 2015.
However, Opel sold just 541 vehicles here last year after it launched the Corsa, Astra and Insignia. So far this year it has sold a further 989 vehicles, via 20 dedicated dealerships and head office team of 15.
GM said it will investigate the potential of rebadging Opel models as Holdens, which could mark a return of nameplates like Astra to Holden showrooms, although how that model would be positioned relative to the locally built Cruze remains to be seen.
“Opel will now begin analysis together with Holden regarding the potential for future Holden-badged niche product, in order to ascertain if opportunities for individual carlines exist.”
Opel has cancelled plans to add the Zafira people-mover to the now defunct Opel range next week.
Opel said it is working closely with employees, dealers and suppliers to conduct the closure process in “an orderly and responsible manner”.
“As always, customers are of the highest priority and Opel Australia will remain in close contact with them, to ensure all on-going obligations to these customers are met. “
Opel must meet all legislator requirements including warranty and spare parts supplies, but affected customers can call the Opel Customer Assistance Centre on 1800 993 677 with any concerns.
