Though Opel as a stand-alone brand was axed in Australia last August – after less than a year – some upmarket models are set to return, according to a local report.
According to carsguide.com.au, the Cascada convertible will be on sale by the end of the year, priced around A$50,000.
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The report said Holden dealers have been told to prepare for the Cascada and to expect more Opel models later. These are as yet unnamed but the report suggested the Astra could return for sale alongside the Cruze at a modest premium as Holden winds down local production – due to end in 2017 – of its small car.
New General Motors president Dan Ammann said at this week’s Geneva motor show: “We’re changing the manufacturing footprint of the business (in Australia) but we remain totally committed to Australia and to Holden.
“We’re going to make sure we bring the product portfolio to the market that the customers really want. The Australian market has evolved a lot … it’s going to come back to how do we best meet their needs.”
Holden rebadged Opel vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, even assembling the Vectra locally for a time, but unfavourable exchange rates pushed up prices, forcing the automaker to switch to sourcing cars from GM South Korea, also badged Holden. Most are imported but the Cruze sedan and hatchback are made locally, alongside the indigenous Commodore.
Holden also imports some models, such as light trucks, from Thailand.
