Saturday March 13th 2021
"We want out into the world"
Opel plans to export to China
Opel is now part of the new automotive holding Stellantis. For company boss Michael Lohscheller this is the right time to think about conquering the Chinese market. The electrification of the product range is also to be driven forward.
The head of the automobile manufacturer Opel, Michael Lohscheller, may also want to bring the brand onto the market in China. "We as Opel are looking at exactly what a market entry strategy for China could look like, with which products and distribution channels that would be possible. The considerations are there, but there is still no decision," Lohscheller told the "Welt". "We want to get out into the world with the Opel brand – and now we have all the options."
Opel is part of the new 14-brand conglomerate Stellantis, which arose from the merger of the Peugeot Group PSA with Fiat-Chrysler. As a subsidiary of the US company General Motors, Opel was "only ever allowed to do business in Europe," as Lohscheller said. That was "of course not easy for us".
The electrification of the product range will be completed in 2024, announced Lohscheller. "That means, basically, Opel could become a purely electrified brand from 2024, if the customers want that." Opel is also sticking to hydrogen technology. In the case of heavy, large vehicles, the fuel cell could be quite useful, said the head of the company "Welt". At the end of the year, the manufacturer will bring a small series of the Vivaro van with fuel cell onto the market.
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