The former General Motors Europe brand Opel – now in PSA's hands – is expanding into Colombia and Ecuador in South America from summer 2020 with four models – the Crossland X and Grandland X crossovers and the Combo and Vivaro vans.

Opel said it had already signed agreements with "renowned" importers SKBerge and Nexumcorp who would become the exclusive importers and distributors for Colombia and Ecuador, respectively.

The new Corsa, based on the same platform as PSA's own newly redesigned Peugeot 208, would follow shortly.

"Colombia and Ecuador are very interesting markets and will provide us with additional momentum," said Opel Automobile CEO Michael Lohscheller.

"Obviously, being a German brand is a major advantage when entering these markets because German engineering is also synonymous with quality in South America.

"We can also benefit from the existing PSA Group infrastructure and the very positive dynamic of the group's other brands in both countries.

"Like in every market, our top priority in South America is profitable growth with a high level of customer satisfaction."

Opel/Vauxhall's PACE! plan includes a target of achieving 10% of sales outside of the traditional core European markets by the mid-2020s.

Opel is thus strengthening presence in Asian, African and South American markets with new partners.

The carmaker will enter 20 new export markets by 2022, one being Russia where the brand recently marked its comeback.

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