GM in talks with PSA Group to sell Vauxhall and Opel

15/02/2017 - 15:31 | ,   | Sagar Parikh

GM is unable to handle continued failure and steep losses in Europe.

Since 2012, GM and PSA Group have been working in alliance on three projects in Europe, and within this framework, both automakers keep examining additional expansion and cooperation possibilities. In a statement released yesterday, GM and PSA Group confirmed that they are in talks for the latter to acquire Opel and Vauxhall brands.

2016 Opel Astra front three quarter at the IAA 2015
Even a product as great as the new generation Opel Astra is not seeing a decent success in Europe; 44.1% of its sales from January through October last year were self-sales.

There's no assurance that the GM's Opel and Vauxhall brands will be acquired, PSA Group says. It has been reported that PSA Group's Chinese partner Dongfeng could have a major hand in the final decision, and if things go well, the latter may even provide financial assistance for acquiring the European brands.

The reason why GM wants to sell Opel and Vauxhall is perhaps its struggle in the European market. In 2013, the American auto giant said that it would discontinue Chevrolet vehicles in the Old Continent by the end of 2015. While volume models have been discontinued, the company's sports cars, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Corvette, are still sold in the region.

2016 Opel Astra rear three quarter at the IAA 2015
GM suffered a loss of US$257 million in Europe last year, nearly all of which could be because of Opel and Vauxhall, as Chevrolet sells only the Camaro and Corvette now.

Also Read: 2017 Opel Insignia Sport Tourer revealed

When GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009, and it was not sure of what to do with its European brands Opel. After turning down Magna and Sberbank's joint acquisition offer in 2009, GM bought 7% holding in Peugeot SA thinking a new alliance would help Opel cut down costs. Opel regretted the deal as the cooperation did not work out too well. Last year, GM suffered a loss of US$257 million in Europe; apparently, there's not much even the new generation Opel Astra can do about this situation.

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