Autoblog UK

Speaking at the launch of the new Astra, the head of Opel/Vauxhall, Carl Peter Forster, went out of his way to praise Vauxhall. He said that, while the focus in Frankfurt was naturally on the German market, he wanted to point out that Vauxhall is actually the most successful part of the company with the highest domestic market share of any group company. He said Vauxhall was "fighting for market leadership". That is putting it a bit strongly, but at least he is publicly stressing the importance of Vauxhall to "New Opel" as the company is becoming known in Germany.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel intend to show what they are capable of once they are freed from their GM shackles. The electrically powered Ampera should give Opel a jolt in the right direction when it arrives in 2011. The 150bhp motor incorporates a generator which takes its range up to 500 kilometres (310 miles). The wheels are driven on battery power alone for the first 60 kilometres. At this point, a small combustion unit kicks in to recharge the batteries as the journey continues. The Ampera does not, however, count as an Opel innovation, as the drive technology stems from the Chevrolet Volt sister model.

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In future, speeding drivers on Britain's roads could find an encounter with the new Vauxhall Insignia a miserable experience. The new police vehicles boast increased power and advanced technology. General Motors UK Special Vehicles are upgrading the UK police fleet with a special version of Vauxhall/Opel's mid-range model. GM are expanding their range of special fleet vehicles and expect this to prove a source of sound, long-term business.

Next time they're chasing villains, our officers have the choice of three powerful engine variants. For the real desperadoes, there's the 260bhp 2.8-litre V6 with AWD. On shorter missions, the constabulary could choose the 220bhp four-cylinder turbo. And for the local beat, there's the torquey 160bhp oil-burner. The police Insignia is only available as a Sports Tourer. Its 1430-litre load-carrying capacity provides ample room for operational kit and safety equipment. Vauxhall are supplying the police vehicle fully equipped with blue flashing light, siren, cameras, radio equipment and data link technology. The police Insignia also comes with an automatic number plate recognition system.

By the end of May, General Motors wants to make a decision about who the purchasers of Opel will be. According to General Motors, there are several interested parties, of which two are already known to the public i.e. Fiat and Magna. Apparently, it is all pending a political decision and a European partner is being sought. Within the scope of its salvation package, General Motors is attempting to prevent closing factories, while improving turnover. Production is to be reassigned within European plants and further sales markets targeted are Russia, Africa and Asia.

The German Opel works in Rüsselsheim could soon profit from the new plans. The Buick LaCrosse, which is related to the Opel Insignia is planned to be built in Germany for the US market from summer 2009 as it was not possible to convert the US works in Fairfax to handle production yet. 70,000 units are planned for the first two years.

The new Opel Astra will be presented at the Frankfurt IAA show and some pictures and data are already available. This is already the tenth generation of the vehicle and the dimensions are being given a hefty increase. The Astra has become 17cm longer, now having a stately length of 4.42m. The wheelbase has also increased by seven centimetres, the tracking has become wider and the car has a new chassis. Initially, there will be a choice between eight various engines. Further information will be publicised in the autumn.

After buying into the insolvent US Chrysler group, it seems that Italian car manufacturer Fiat are now more interested in ever than getting their hands on Opel. Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne announced that Opel would be the perfect partner for Fiat. There is indeed good reason for the increased interest shown by the Italians, since state funds of 3.3 billion euros could also cushion their Chrysler investment.

Opel's business has taken a boost from both the German "scrappage allowance", as well as from the new Insignia model which has been very well-received. Apparently Opel has 100,000 orders on its books, which has in fact led to extra shifts at their Rüsselsheim plant.

Chancellor Angela Merkel asked the German national car industry to come up with an innovative vehicle. In two days time, Opel will introduce her planned baby at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the full gestation period for this embryo – in production terms at least – will take another two years. But we are curious to see whether the car industry will have received the necessary child benefit from the German government by 2011, otherwise the pram will remain empty. If a financial solution is not found soon for Opel, then this particular offspring may never see the light of day in the automotive world.

Maybe the Ampera is the rescue that Opel needs. In 2011, it will be the first series production vehicle to run entirely on electricity. The vehicle will be priced competitively in line with a similar diesel model at 30,000 euros. The Ampera is powered solely by its 150bhp electric motor, which means it is not a hybrid but a purely electric car. It does 0 to 100kph in just under 9 seconds and has a top speed of 160kph.

The top echelons of General Motors have decreed that Opel Europe must submit a long-term rescue plan within the next few weeks. There are a number of options on the table. In order to give Opel competitive clout, Vauxhall and Saab could be taken over. Shareholding by other industrial operators is also thinkable.

The parent company in Detroit intends to concentrate on its three core marques in future (Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick) plus its GMC truck division. Before the first quarter of 2009 is over, there should be a decision on whether to wind up or sell off the Hummer division. The company intends to allow the Saturn badge to lapse if a buyer cannot be found. The Swedish Saab subsidiary is to be put up for sale. Talks have already begun with the government in Stockholm. The number of dealerships is also to be reduced by 25 percent to 4,700 by the year 2012.

Opel's US parent company General Motors has requested further state aid amounting to billions of dollars. The American government will no longer rule out the possibility of the car maker being declared insolvent. General Motors have now announced their intention to cut jobs by a total of 47,000, of which 26,000 will be outside the USA. Five of their US plants are set to close.

It is not yet clear what consequences this move will have for the four Opel sites in Germany at Bochum, Eisenach, Kaiserslautern and Rüsselsheim. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Jürgen Rüttgers has booked a meeting with General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner in Detroit at which he will be arguing the case for retaining the European sites.

Up to now, General Motors have received 13.4 billion dollars in government hand-outs to stave off the threat of bankruptcy. According to a restructuring plan worked out on Tuesday, the company requires a further state credit of 16.6 billion dollars.