Opel/Vauxhall CEO: 2010 Might Be Rough

Both Opel and Vauxhall are currently going through the most difficult period in their history, with parent manufacturer General Motors looking into ways to turn them back to profit. After scrapping plans to sell the brands to Magna International, GM decided to keep them and start restructuring using its very own resources and financial support from governments hosting their factories. But even so, 2010 might be a rough year, Nick Reilly, interim boss of Opel and Vauxhall, said in a statement.

He said that both companies will launch a couple of new models that will contribute to their bright future and will support them in the viability plan established by General Motors.

"In particular, Opel and Vauxhall will be very strong contenders in advanced technologies for the 21st century. In addition to the upcoming Opel Ampera, we intend to launch other electric vehicles with range extenders. And, we’ll add pure battery-electric vehicles as well as hybrids to our portfolio," he said.

"No crystal-ball is necessary to tell you how excited we are to launch the new generation Meriva early 2010. Look, too, for other exciting environmentally friendly launches – like the new Astra ecoFLEX, emitting only 109 g CO2 or the Corsa ecoFLEX with Start/Stop. If you happen to be in Geneva in March, I look forward to seeing you at the motor show."

Nick Reilly said that Opel's full restructuring plan will be presented in mid-January, although it was initially expected in mid-December. The US-based manufacturer is believed to cut 8,500 jobs across Europe, with some plants still at risk to be closed.