[Ruperts Trooper]

From this article in March 2014 http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/geneva-motor-show/vauxhallpsa-sharing-deal-extend-new-models it seems like they'll be PSA platforms with PSA engines but with unique Opel/Vauxhall sheet metal.

From this article in December 2013 http://europe.autonews.com/article/...-psa-end-plans-for-shared-subcompact-platform the Zafira will be built by PSA and the Meriva by Opel Spain.

Does anyone know if the GM-PSA alliance agreement allows for Opel versions to be used as Buicks?

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

Interested to see how this plays out. I hope PSA build is not a mistake.

I have to say I don't understand it - current Zafira is built off the Astra-J (Delta II) platform with the Astra-K about to launch - current Meriva is built off the old Gamma platform which goes forward under the Mokka/Trax/Encore despite the new Corsa-E retaining the Fiat SCCS platform from the outgoing Corsa-D.

One of Opel's main issues is space production capacity so I don't see any advantage sharing with PSA when Opel already has suitable platforms and engines which will stay in production for other GM models.

Specifically, it means that Opel/Vauxhall will be selling sub-compacts built on three different platforms - Mokka on Gamma, Corsa on SCCS and Meriva on PSA.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

How long until Corsa comes onto Gamma/II/III?

Since the Corsa-E is only now going on sale, we're presumably looking at a full model cycle, so about 8 years, by which time Gamma II will be due for replacement!

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

So much of the PSA stuff was scrapped.

The formal alliance lasted less than two years but the initial platform-sharing and joint build arrangements stayed in place which is what we're seeing now.

It was the joint Insignia replacement plans that didn't proceed

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

For me it is also very strange strategy to use all those platforms for their portfolio.
Karl, Adam, Corsa and Meriva could easily use same platform, and second one for Mokka, Astra, Zafira and even Insignia.
Only 2 platforms for Opel could be great. Maybe, to have 3- one for suvs- new Insignia suv, and Antara.... and thats it.
This looks too mesy, especialy when u think of all different tools they need, workers to learn how to work on different parts, ask supliers for not so big quantities of parts... its just too silly.
All Volkswagen grou prides on one single platform- MQB, and it works for them, so i see no reason why shouldnt that work for Opel :/

You can only use a plaform for all sizes if it's designed from the outset to be completely modular and to cope with all sizes - as far as existing platforms go, Epsilon II would be too expensive for Karl, Adam, Corsa, Gamma II would be too crude for Insignia and Delta II couldn't be shrunk, stretched and add 4wd, not all together.

Since Opel/Vauxhall ONLY needs transverse engined models, FWD and AWD, it's quite possible to design an all-new GMEU modular platform but that would mean cash, committment and continuity - three qualities not seen in GM for a very long time.

I do agree, though, that GM should fund such a development - as well as underpinning all Opel/Vauxhall models for the next couple of decades, it could also underpin all those Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac models built on FWD platforms - a single global modular longitudinal-engined RWD/AWD platform could be used for all other models using RWD platforms - plus of course a frame for the BOF trucks.

So GM has just 3 global modular architectures - I must be dreaming, I'll wake up soon.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

I agree mainly, the way forward may be to evolve Gamma for sub-compact FWD, essentially what it does now - and create a new flexible FWD/AWD to replace Delta and Epsilon, essentially what Epsilon does now but scaleable down to the compact sector.

For Europe, the SUVs should be built off the regular saloon/hatch/estate Epsilon platform - not use different platform.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

Opel/Vauxhall's needs are different to Mercedes-Benz - they need 1-FWD (A & B sector up to 1.5 I4 transverse), 2-FWD/AWD (C & D sector saloon/hatch/estate and SUV up to 2.0 I4 & 3.0 V6 transversely mounted).

Opel/Vauxhall don't need RWD or sports cars - but if they ever expanded back into those sectors, they should use US platforms which would need to be LHD/RHD capable.

Technically, Opel/Vauxhall already have what they need Gamma II and Epsilon II but they do need upgrading - which doesn't solve the issue about what to build Delta-platform models on in future.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

Depends whether Opel/Vauxhall gets the chance to get out of it's mainstream straightjacket - if it doesn't, you're right it won't need diesels or petrols any bigger than turbo 2.0 I4 - but if Opel/Vauxhall, or any other GM brand wants to play with the big boys in Europe, they'll need a 3.0 V6 turbo diesel for sure.

The Mercedes-Benz ML-class diesels go from 204 (2.1 I4) to 258 (3.0 V6), the lowest power range of all the premium brands in Europe - BMW X5 starts at 218 (2.0 I4) and goes up to 381 bhp (3.0 I6) - JLR's Discovery, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover start at 258 (3.0 V6) and go up to 339 (4.4 V8)