GM Opel likely to be produced in China

The Opel brand ranks second in terms of market share in the European auto market. Last year 438,000 Opel Astra were sold in total, surpassing that of Renault Clio, Ford Focus and VW Golf to become the best-selling small car in Europe. The Astra series include five-door, three-door and coupe editions. Moreover, the Opel Zafira, sold as imported unit in the Chinese market, shares the same platform with Opel Astra.

On sale in 2008, the new Vectra is expected to make its debut at the 2007's Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Epsilon 2 platform, on which the new Saab 9-3, Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and the new Vectra are produced, comes in a wider and taller body and this translates to more space inside for passengers – something that's vital in order to compete with competitors such as VW's Passat, which have upped its standard. The wider stance should also mean an even more composed driving experience.

Currently, GM's joint venture in China is lacking in GM's global platforms, and most products like Buick, Chevrolet Epica are based on Korea Daewoo platform. The local production of Opel is expected to help SGM improve its production line and to launch more competitive models in China.

The Opel Astra may be priced between RMB100, 000 – RMB150, 000 in the Chinese market, having the potential to rival Magotan, Camry, new Mondeo and 08 Accord. The new Vectra is expected to replace Regal and be sold between RMB150, 000 to RMB200, 000.