Opel to drop slow-sellers as new models arrive
Opel is discontinuing the Adam, Karl and Cascada next year, as it readies a streamlined range of new models in the market’s highest-volume segments.
Along with sister brand Vauxhall, Opel is targeting a return to profitability by sharing technology with the other PSA Group brands, new launches and a focusing on “high-volume, profitable” segments. The aim is to cover around 80% of the market, rather than offer products in every segment.
This has already started; the Zafira Tourer was dropped earlier this year, and production of the Adam and Viva city cars, and Cascada cabriolet (all of which are on GM platforms) will end next year. There are no plans to replace them.
Opel has not confirmed the full line-up of new models yet, but an all-new Corsa will launch next year, alongside passenger and commercial versions of the Vivaro van (likely to be based on the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Dispatch), while a replacement for the Mokka X is due in 2020. In 2021, the company said it expects 40% of its sales to be SUVs.
The eight launches include several mid-life updates. This is likely to include both the estate and hatchback versions of the Astra and Insignia, though neither are confirmed yet. By the end of 2020, Opel will also have four ‘electrified’ vehicles – two of which will be the electric Corsa and plug-in hybrid Grandland X. All model lines will include electrified versions by 2024, though PSA is making ongoing improvements to its petrol and diesel engines, it said.