Beginning of the end for Opel?

[Morningside]

Opel brings up some names of the past. One that comes up is the Manta.

Could this be the slow decline?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/03/business/global/...

[LuS1fer]

They are in need of re-invention.

MINI did it.
Land Rover did it.
Jaguar did it
Even Citroen did it.
Kia and Hyundai are doing it.

They need some fashion models that people want to buy. The Astra/Corsa/Insignia all feel like tired concepts.

The danger is that their response will be a diesel Camaro.... though surely developing a diesel Cadillac CTS would be a good start, get the suspension developed by Lotus and calling it the Lotus Omega.....

Edited by LuS1fer on Tuesday 3rd April 13:20

[tgr]

In my opinion Opel's manufacturing standards haven't been up to its German peers for quite a while. If that's the case, why continue to be German? Their time is up

[Johnboy Mac]

tgr said:

In my opinion Opel's manufacturing standards haven't been up to its German peers for quite a while.

Not since the early 80's. Sad to think Opel made a really quality product back in 60's & 70's. I had a '75 model (in '81) and it was twice the car of a Escort and the Viva was a very poor distant cousin.

[jamesson]

I used to love Opels in the 80s but their line up these days is struggling against the competition. It's a big shame, and I hate to hear of factories potentially closing down and the associated job losses that come with it, but GM is not a charity and can't keep bankrolling entities which make losses year after year.

I wish the company well for fear for its future.