2017-11-09 08:07
Details of the Vauxhall/Opel PACE! recovery plan under PSA have been revealed. Vauxhall/Opel is aiming to become European electrification and low CO2 leaders with every model featuring electrification by 2024.
First to arrive will be an all-electric version of the new Corsa. The new model is expected in 2019 with the Vauxhall Corsa EV on sale by 2020. Around the same time a plug-in hybrid version of the Grandland X SUV will go on sale, too.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, also said that two other electrified vehicles will go on sale by 2020, with every Vauxhall and Opel model featuring some form of electrification by 2024. In total, nine new Vauxhall and Opel models will be launched by 2020.
As part of the plan, Vauxhall and Opel models will move to PSA architecture quicker than anticipated with the EMP2 platform for larger models and CMP technology being used for smaller cars. This also means a switch to PSA engines and transmissions.
The total number of platforms used for Vauxhall/Opel products will be reduced from nine to two by 2024, with powertrain families going from ten to four. “Aligning architecture and powertrain families will substantially reduce development and production complexity, thus allowing scale effects and synergies, contributing to overall profitability,” said Lohscheller.
Among all the new product news, Michael Lohscheller revealed that Vauxhall/Opel will aim to return to profitability by 2020 and that the UK plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton will be safe from closure.
Lohscheller revealed that the PACE! plan is designed with the clear intention to maintain all plants and refrain from forced redundancies in Europe. “The necessary and sustainable reduction of labour costs shall be reached with thoughtful measures such as innovative working time concepts, voluntary programs or early retirement schemes,” he said.
PSA Group chairman Carlos Tavares is said to have been so impressed with the Ellesmere Port plant that he decided to invest in its future within 24 hours of visiting it.
LCV growth is also expected under the plan, which could mean good news for Luton. While the Opel brand is also being lined up for further export markets, which could mean China and possibly even into previous owner GM’s backyard of the USA.
What do you think of the Vauxhall recovery plan? Let us know in the comments...
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