Opel Minicar, iPod on Wheels

We have already learned that Opel is working on a minicar that would join the range below the Corsa and, according to inside information, it is expected to be presented in the next 24 months. The guys over at Opel are naming the future project an "iPod on wheels" (whatever that means), it will be a trendsetter in its segment, as Autonews reports.

"Internally, we call it an 'iPod on wheels.' That is what we are working on at the moment," Opel sales and marketing chief Alain Visser said in a statement at the Geneva Auto Show. "We want to do it within a short period, possibly within 24 months," he added.

The minicar in discussion is believed to be based on the Trixx concept and incorporate several technologies specifically aimed at cutting emissions and fuel consumption. The Trixx concept was officially presented in 2004 and General Motors continued working on the production model for several years. However, plans to launch the car were suspended when the US-based manufacturer filed for Chapter 11 protection and started talks to sell Opel and Vauxhall.

Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly said in a statement in February that the two brands will invest a total of 11 billion Euros by 2014 to refresh the product range and become competitive. There will be several new product launches, including an extended-range electric vehicle in addition to the Ampera, a pure battery-electric vehicle in smaller-size segments plus several other LPG and CNG models.

“Opel/Vauxhall has a clear vision: to be a leading European manufacturer of high quality, desirable automotive products, based on German engineering, driven by a united team of professionals and respected around the world. This vision will be realized by offering an exciting and expanded product portfolio based on a strategic push into alternative propulsion technology,” said Reilly.