Automobile Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

Dear Opel GmbH,

GM platforms (current):
Delta • Epsilon • Gamma • K (fwd) • Kappa • Premium • Sigma • W • Y • Zeta

GM platforms (future / showrooms ~ 2010):
Alpha • Delta II • E-Flex • Epsilon II

Links of Opel GmbH line:

Agila
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2008-agila/

Corsa
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2008-corsa_opc/

Corsa hybrid
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2007-corsa_hybrid_concept/

Mini-van
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2008-zafira/

Sedan - Insignia (2009 car of the year)
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2009-insignia/

Coupe (2009 car of the year)
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2009-insignia_hatchback/

SUV (bumper integrated retracting bicycle rack - cool!!)
http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2007-antara/



From these platforms “product” is produced in various countries/markets. Ford does (did) the same for example with Lincoln/Jaguar.

In the case of Jaguar (forced to use Fords Lincoln platform) resale/trade in values plummeted for the Jaguar.

The more I think about this - the more true Opel GmbH product will need to be at the core (predicating any) GM bailout, due to the loss of GM American market share during the last decade - (during huge consumer spending) using current GM platform methodologies.

Similar to Scion for Toyota, Smartcar for Mercedes, Acura for Honda, (Cooper for BMW) so would be Opel GmbH for GM.

If not - you're going to get (at best) a $40,000.00 Chevy "Volt" that no one can afford (folks will just walk 20 feet over and look at a Toyota Prius for half the money).

Ford (without the burden of branding-to-demographics changes) is on the right track now with European Fords coming over the pond unchanged - a smart and expedient move?

Only true Opel GmbH product will keep your 20-30-40 something's from walking 25 feet over to the Honda, Toyota or Scion lot at the auto-mall.

Bailout money should be directed directly to the conversion of North American assembly plants/dealerships/supplies to Opel GmbH products rather than writing checks to GM (at the top) with assurances of sustainable strategies. Rüsselsheim, Germany would then take charge of all global operations.

Once you have the product, then fix GMAC, otherwise the public will just walk the 14 feet off your lot.

This is the only sustainable direction for GM?