Even a quick glance over General Motors’ European offerings from its two brands Opel and Chevrolet reveals that there is definitely a lot of toe-stepping going on between the two, and it’s not doing either any good.
ON Thursday, GM announced that Chevy sales in Europe would end completely in 2016, leaving room for Opel to stretch out unhindered and get closer to its potential; Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States would still hold both brands, though.
“Europe is a key region for GM that will benefit from a stronger Opel and Vauxhall and further emphasis on Cadillac,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “For Chevrolet, it will allow us to focus our investments where the opportunity for growth is greatest.”
“This is a win for all four brands. It’s especially positive for car buyers throughout Europe, who will be able to purchase vehicles from well-defined, vibrant GM brands,” Akerson said.
The move is estimated to take quite a few stacks of banknotes to complete – the final cost could reach the one billion-dollar mark. In fact, it’s already underway, as most of the work will be done at the end of this year and through the first part of 2014.
However, if you like the more upmarket GM stuff and were thinking of buying into it yourself, then you’ll still be safe, as the Corvette (and probably Camaro too to face the new ‘Stang, though this is not confirmed), Cadillac and requested niche models will be available.
Finally, it has been reported that the decision has nothing to do with GM’s partnership with France’s PSA or their Chinese plans.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
