Opel says it will be some time before a final decision is made concerning the siting of the Ampera’s European manufacturing base, although the UK has made strong representation to be on the short list.
The Ampera – Europe’s version of the Chevrolet Volt – is only due to launch at the end of this year – and apart from European jockeying for manufacturing position – demand is likely to be high for what product there is.
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“We will sell out what we can get hold of easily, because capacity is limited,” Opel CEO Nick Reilly said in Detroit. “But we really won’t know the size of that market for three years as you need to get to generation two as opposed to generation one.
“The cost of batteries is changing every week – I have been optimistic about battery cost reduction.”
Reilly broadened his Ampera optimism to what he predicted would be substantial low-carbon requirements in the far east as chronic congestion and pollution plague the so-called ‘mega-cities’ of Asia.
“The thing that makes me very bullish is what [is] happening in the east,” he said. “Cites such as Beijing and Shanghai have got huge problems in terms of congestion and air [quality] – they are investing billions into this technology and I firmly expect them to ban non-EVs from the city.
“They will build significant domestic volume from which they can then come out to the rest of the world.”
Despite GM’s reluctance to confirm its Ampera manufacturing site, the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) last year hailed the siting of Toyota’s new Auris hybrid at its British plant near Derby as evidence of the attraction of Britain for overseas producers.
“It [GM] has not made the decision yet, but we are definitely in the game to secure it,” SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said previously.
“In another 12 months we could be at the very heart of low carbon production in Europe. With the [Nissan] Leaf production it gives the UK a high proportion of low carbon technology. We have always been open for business.”
