Should GM Be Importing THIS?

Now that there seems to be a shift in the auto industry to offer wagon-like hatches, even in the premium market, is this what General Motors should be bringing to the U.S. market?  Not only is it a good looking vehicle, its interior looks as though it is built to higher standards than the typical GM product.

The problem I can imagine GM encountering is "what brand do we import this as?"  For this, I may have a good answer: Opel!

Now that Pontiac and Saturn are gone, I cannot imagine making this hatch a Buick.  Maybe a Chevrolet.  With Buick's lagging brand image, I am confident it would be a tough sell to the iPod wielding 18 - 25 year old generation.

Why does GM insist on leaving the Opel nameplate abroad?  It is importing their models anyway -- just wait for the Buick Insignia -- so, why the need to create a false brand? Marketing purposes?....

2010 Porsche Panamera Launch Gallery

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

Read Article

Agent00R - 10/13/2009 7:27:31 AM

+1 Boost

When I was in Detroit they showed us their product line up for the next 24 months.

This was NOT included.

John_Stossel - 10/13/2009 6:51:58 AM

0 Boost

Looks like a Mazda 3.

Whelan - 10/13/2009 9:19:39 AM

+1 Boost

Wasn't this going to be the next update a Saturn? Their lineup was pretty much Opels anyways.

If anything GM should look into making the Pontiac Vibe a Chevy Model. They already have the Traverse as a CUV.

Agent00R - 10/13/2009 9:27:12 AM

+2 Boost

Probably was going to be a Saturn but we cannot be sure, now.

veyron1001 - 10/13/2009 11:41:49 AM

-2 Boost

I thought saturn was gone after early next year? No Saturn has the underexposed and watered down versions of the Opel brand.

Agent00R - 10/13/2009 12:31:17 PM

+1 Boost

@Veyron: production was to stop immediately, from what I understand, and be shifted to other GM products being produced at the plant.

kuvakas - 10/13/2009 11:09:21 AM

+2 Boost

I'm not sure I agree on the Buick for old folks perspective. Their most rece3nt efforts including the newest ads are right5 there with the best of them. At least, I give them credit for recognizing the problem and addressing it head on. Go Maximum Bob!

inspirion7 - 10/13/2009 11:54:51 AM

+1 Boost

To answer why Chevy doesn't have the Opel models, it boils down to cost. The Astra is an outstanding car, Saturn couldn't move them and they were priced just above Chevys (comparing to the Cobalt). VW models have taken a long time to educate Americans on the value of a compact car and it worth. An Astra can come in at over $25K if priced out. That is a lot for a compact most know nothing of. Who can carry a model like this? GM is in a odd situation when it comes to Opel's compact offerings.

Agent00R - 10/13/2009 12:32:48 PM

+1 Boost

Do you believe if GM shifted the product(s) here and educated using new, social media they could have a hit? Or at least B/E?

inspirion7 - 10/13/2009 2:53:52 PM

+2 Boost

They didn't Americanize the Saturn Astra or the VUE. They were Opel models.

MtlMotors - 10/13/2009 3:20:44 PM

+1 Boost

You guys seem to forget that Opel has been sold to Magna/Sberbank with GM retaining only a minority stake in the company (well not officially yet but the transaction looks almost certain). Given the success (or lack thereof) of the last gen Astra in North America, I do not beleive Opel/Sberbank will shell out the cash necessary to re-engineer it for this market, market it and distribute it.

downtoearth - 10/13/2009 5:16:26 PM

+1 Boost

Importing - NO.

Building locally? Yes.

Then make it a hybrid (plug-in or not).

tango - 10/13/2009 9:20:45 PM

+1 Boost

Importing this car from Europe would be suicide. Interestingly, if they imported it from Australia (the models built by Holden) it would have lower cost. It's just a fact of life, really. But as 1UAW alluded, it may very well be built in the US. Not a bad thing for Buick at all. I think when GM separates the different brands by offering different chassis they are truly giving the brands unique identities. Slowlu but surely I'm becoming a Buick fan. They've been doing a fine job of that recently.

85bmw745i - 10/13/2009 9:44:49 PM

+2 Boost

True but they didn't offer the more powerful optional engine in the astra. And I highly doubt the new elantra would be better than this based on the current gt which would compete with this. I like Hyundai but the elantra has to be one of their weakest cars. it was criticized for very cheap interior materials while the sonata, genesis and genesis coupe were praised ofr high quality interior and great fit and finish. they need to be more consistent with material quality across the line. Unless the new elantra is as good as the new sonata this car would be much a better choice.

tecnopolis - 10/14/2009 4:04:31 AM

+2 Boost

I can picture this more as a Buick than a Chevy or GMC. Buick should just ad a few badges and call it the Apollo after the late 70's hatchback of the same Name.