What's the news?
One of the most powerful women in the automotive world, GM's chief executive officer Mary Barra, has confirmed that there will be a new flagship SUV coming from Opel before the end of the decade.
During her second visit to Germany this year, Barra said that the forthcoming model will be built at Opel's European HQ in Rüsselsheim, with further investment slated for the Kaiserslautern and Tychy plants.
"This SUV will be the brand's second flagship, alongside the Insignia," Barra explained, perhaps hinting that the new model would platform share with the D-segment machine."
"Opel is of high strategic importance for GM. The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brand shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. They are a clear sign of GM's commitment to Opel, to Germany and to Europe."
A total of €245 million will be invested in the Rüsselsheim plant to meet future requirements, with a further €500m or so ring-fenced for the engine and transmission plants in Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy, Poland.
Anything else?
Due to strong demand for the Adam and the new Corsa there was more good news for Opel and GM with the announcement of an additional third shift at Eisenach as of mid-2015. Barra expressed her 'delight' at the new Corsa's take-up, as around 45,000 orders were placed prior to the fifth-gen car's market launch.