Opel will add a high-end car that will be positioned at the top of its current line-up but below models from General Motors siblings Saab and Cadillac.
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The new car will be launched before 2010, Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe’s president, told Automotive News Europe.
GM Europe sources say the car likely will be a crossover or “multi-activity vehicle.” They weren’t more specific about what that means. Most crossovers being built by automakers combine characteristics of a minivan, SUV and station wagon.
The Signum premium station wagon is currently Opel’s largest and most exclusive model. The Signum is a high-end version of the upper-medium Vectra wagon with a higher roof line than the Vectra plus special interior features such as a small refrigerator.
The new model may have a premium version that features all-wheel drive, while less-expensive variants will come with front-wheel drive.
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By GlobalDataGM Europe’s German subsidiary has been discussing its strategy for a new flagship model since the retirement of its previous top-of-the-line model, the Omega, in 2003.
Opel showed the Insignia concept at the 2003 IAA in Frankfurt. But the project has, since then, been quietly abandoned, although GM executives say that the next top-of-the-line Opel will include some elements from the Insignia. They wouldn’t be more specific.
Opel has traditionally had a strong presence and a good reputation in the upper ranges of the volume segment. GM Europe believes a new flagship model will help increase earnings, boost Opel’s image and ease the transition for some Opel owners to Saabs and Cadillacs.
