GM Europe

[cybersdorf]

It seems some major changes are afoot in the European branch of General Motors. On the one hand, the Chevrolet brand is being introduced to the European market with rebadged Daewoos; on the other hand, Opel (GM's German brand) is announcing major job cuts, and the possible closure of a production plant, as well as its exit from DTM racing at the end of next year.

I wonder if Opel - a member of the GM group since 1929 - will survive. If Opel goes, Vauxhall will inevitably go with it. So two well-established European marques, and LOTS of European jobs, may well disappear. Hooray to globalisation.

[garcon]

As I understand it, GM have announced 12,000 job cuts in Europe, the bulk of which will be in management and manufacturing in Germany (which effectively means Opel).

I can't see both Opel and Vauxhall disappearing altogether, but there could be savings in merging them under one marque - after all, they make the same cars.

The one I worry about is Saab - they had a very clear identity whilst still independent even if something of a niche market, but I fear that identity will all but disappear as GM tries to make inroads in the European executive sector.

[garcon]

By the way, I'll move this to Road Car and leave a pointy thing...

[cybersdorf]

Originally posted by garcon
I can't see both Opel and Vauxhall disappearing altogether, but there could be savings in merging them under one marque - after all, they make the same cars.

Opshall?
Vauxpel?

[garcon]

That reminds me of the time a Jaguar enthusiast friend of mine said he didn't like the X-Type and called it a Jaguford. I said it's not a Jaguford, it's a Faguar...

[GTRMagic]

While it is sad that Opel and Vauxhall arent making money, and havent done for many years by all accounts, Ford is similarly placed in the same markets.

In these enlightened times of the EU, perhaps a single European structure makes sense... Germany with its relatively uncompetitive labour rates is not the answer, nor perhaps is the UK with the boatride to the mainland...

All sad... and makes you wonder how these guys used to make money in the old days when there was a plant making something in most countries across the world. Not any more

[cybersdorf]

Originally posted by GTRMagic
While it is sad that Opel and Vauxhall arent making money, and havent done for many years by all accounts, Ford is similarly placed in the same markets.

The Australian "GM vs. Ford" concept doesn't quite apply to Europe, though - this market is a bit more crowded, manufacturer-wise.

In these enlightened times of the EU, perhaps a single European structure makes sense... Germany with its relatively uncompetitive labour rates is not the answer, nor perhaps is the UK with the boatride to the mainland...

Opels/Vauxhalls, and their components, are produced all over Europe, from Poland to Portugal.

All sad... and makes you wonder how these guys used to make money in the old days when there was a plant making something in most countries across the world. Not any more [/B]

Yup, the days of the "independents" are definitely over. Bigger conglomerates also means less competition in motor racing.

[Truckosaurus]

There were full page newspaper adverts for Daewoo over the weekend saying if you bought a new Daewoo now you'd be able to swap it for a free Chevrolet branded one in 6months time.