GM could survive an Opel split

[mattyman1010]

The platform and engine work provided by the European company can be shifted to GM operations in South Korea and the United States.

So are they talking about development for future products or maybe moving production. if its moving production im all for it But then again Holden would still go for the rehashed Daewoos...

[AdmiralViscen]

Originally Posted by Bravada

You guys are forgetting one thing - growth is important for the future outlook, but a rife market is important for today's bottom line. North America and EU are the two only large markets for mature, premium vehicles, loaded with options, add-on services, with sustainable financing and aftermarket profit opportunities, finally with owners affluent enough to generate enough income from "fixed ops" (service) as they will be coming back to the dealer's garage and paying for branded service, parts and consummables more eagerly.

If Europe was that bad a market, why would so many automakers still exist in Europe and continue to develop their presence there? While many European automakers are not present in the US, all of the American, Japanese and many other automakers are present in Europe.

OTOH, it is a mature market, which is hard to crack. Nothing helps you better than an established customer base and brand equity. Without Opel, GM would be only marginally better than the Chinese automakers and even worse than Hyundai. People in Europe buy Opels, not GM cars. Chevrolet is a fringe brand bringing in sizeable results only due to CIS sales.

You need to c/p this in the other Opel thread where someone is suggesting rebranding Opel to Buick in Europe.

[70eldo]

Sound more like a business vs politics game of bluff poker. And the public is playing along in the speculations on the next moves.

Of course Opel will be a big loss for GM. But to survive you need to consider all extremes.

[m100]

Originally Posted by 70eldo

Sound more like a business vs politics game of bluff poker. And the public is playing along in the speculations on the next moves.

Of course Opel will be a big loss for GM. But to survive you need to consider all extremes.

Thats the worry around here; that they haven't considered the consequences of losing Opel,and therefore ceding market share in profitable Western Europe (others have stated that any GM American brand isn't going to cut it over there).

[70eldo]

Originally Posted by m100

Thats the worry around here; that they haven't considered the consequences of losing Opel,and therefore ceding market share in profitable Western Europe (others have stated that any GM American brand isn't going to cut it over there).

I find it hard to imagine that they are not aware of the value of Opel and the European market share. It must be the complexity of the whole situation that makes it such a drag.

[ohmywrd8]

Originally Posted by avinarf

Here in South Africa we Opel lovers are suffering from this sale, now in SA the only Opel's available is the Corsa and the locally built Corsa UTE. the new Astra and the rest of the Opel line up wont be entering the country.
Maybe GM should just rid its self from Opel if they dont know how to keep their customers happy this way maybe Opel will return to SA.
Wat do a i buy next year? A Chevy Cruze? I really dont think so...

In America we have to deal with stuff like this all the time. Ford had better products in Europe, and GM has until now far Buicks in China. Everyone suffers sometimes when it comes to car choices.

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

I don't know about GM Europe, but I think North American GM can.